Battery packs, range, regenerative brakes, charging ports, charging stations, and so many words that could mean so much but sound like absolute jargon to an untrained ear. These are all necessary parts of any electric vehicle and unfortunately, most people don’t even know what they mean. These sound like such fancy words but trust me, they’re quite simple.
Let me break it down for you.
Battery Pack
The battery pack is the same as the fuel tank of your car. It stores the energy and uses it up to power the motor. This battery is rechargeable and usually have lithium-ion chemistries, similar to those in your smartphone but much, much larger.
Additionally, it also charges the Auxiliary 12V system that powers your headlights, infotainment system, power windows, safety systems and more.
The size of the battery pack determines the range — how far the car can travel on a single charge.
If you want to know more about the battery of an EV, check out this blog.
Electric Traction Motor
Unlike regular cars that use a combustion system, EVs use electric motors to move the car. Usually, these are AC (alternating current) motors which are highly efficient and powerful.
It converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy that turns the wheels. Some EVs even have more than one motor (one for each axle) for better performance.
Power Inverter
Okay, this is important. The inverter is necessary because the energy stored in the battery is actually DC. But the motor needs AC. So, there’s an inverter that changes the direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) needed by the motor.
Bonus, it also works in reverse when regenerative braking is used to charge the battery.
Regenerative Brakes
Now that I have mentioned it, lets talk about regenerative braking. This is something you’ll never find in ICE vehicles, though you might find them in hybrid cars.
Regenerative brakes recovers energy when the car slows down or brakes, converting it back into electricity to recharge the battery.
Confused? Let me explain.
In an EV, when you lift your foot off the accelerator or press the brakes lightly, the traction motor reverses its role. Since the battery is no longer powering the motor to turn the wheel but the car hasn’t stopped moving yet, the turning wheels turn the motor instead. This makes the motor act as a generator. The kinetic energy of the turning wheels is converted into electrical energy. This energy is sent back to the battery which helps recharge the battery slightly every time you let go of the accelerator.
Crazy, isn’t it? So, braking or slowing down not just saves you energy but also generates it.
Don’t worry though, in most EVs, regen braking is blended with mechanical friction brakes. So hard braking isn’t off the table.
Charging Port
The charging port is where you plug the vehicle in to recharge the battery. This is an in-built port, just like any other electrical appliance that uses a battery.
You can connect your car to a charging station or a wall outlet. There are different types of charging connectors and speeds, from slow home chargers to ultra-fast public chargers.
Onboard Charger (also called AC/DC Converter)
EV batteries store energy as direct current while your home charger supplies AC of 220V. This AC must be converted to DC before charging the battery.
Inside the EV, there’s an onboard AC/DC converter that converts AC to DC and charges the battery pack. It also regulates the voltage and temperature, and monitors the charging process to ensure safety.
Battery Management System
The Battery Management System (BMS) is absolutely crucial for the EV. It monitors temperature, voltage and health of the battery, while preventing overcharge or deep discharging. It is essential for safety, optimal performance, and better battery lifespan.
Thermal Management System
Batteries and motors work best within a certain temperature range. That’s where this system comes in. It cools or heats the battery and motor to maintain optimal performance and safety. Without it, extreme temperatures could reduce efficiency or damage components.
Power Electronics Controller
This component is like the brain of the electric drivetrain. It manages the flow of electricity between the battery, inverter, and motor. It also monitors speed, torque, and accelerator input to control the motor’s performance.
Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)
This is the overall control system that coordinates how everything works together.
It processes inputs from the driver (like pressing the accelerator or brakes) and decides how much power to send to the motor. It also interacts with safety systems, climate control, and more.
BONUS!
Instant Torque - MG Cyberster broke the record for the fastest accelerating car in Asia. Ever wonder why? Its because of the electric motor delivering peak torque instantly, giving you that thrilling feel.
No idling - EVs don’t ‘idle’ like petrol cars. When stopped, the motor isn’t consuming energy.
Low maintenance - Since EVs have very few moving parts, there’s less wear and tear and fewer fluid changes. Though this doesn’t mean you should skip the regular checkups for your EV.
Electric cars may seem complex, but their components work together in a surprisingly straightforward way. By replacing fuel with electricity and engines with motors, EVs offer cleaner, quieter, and more efficient driving. As technology continues to advance, these vehicles are becoming more affordable and easier to maintain, making them an attractive choice for the future of transportation.
Whether you're considering an EV or just curious about how they work, understanding these components is a great first step. Electric cars are not just the future — they’re already here.
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