Module 4

Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles
• Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that are powered by electricity, rather
than gasoline or diesel fuel.
• They use an electric motor to drive the wheels and are powered by
rechargeable batteries.
• EVs come in a variety of
forms, from fully-electric cars
that can travel hundreds of
miles on a single charge, to
hybrid vehicles that combine
electric and gasoline power.
• Electric vehicles operate on the principle of converting electric energy
into mechanical energy, which is then utilized to generate kinetic
energy and enable vehicle mobility
• EVs use an electric motor rather than a traditional gasoline engine.
Electric energy, therefore, replaces traditional fuel (petrol/diesel).
Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by the electric
motor.
• In simple terms, an automobile that operates on traditional gasoline
(petrol/diesel) has fundamental components such as an engine,
gearbox, fuel tank, and so on. The engine in an electric vehicle has
been replaced by an electric motor, and a battery pack has replaced
the gas tank. The transmission stays the same, however, all-electric
cars have a simplified gear system.
Components of electric vehicles
• Battery pack: It stores electrical energy that is used by the vehicle’s electric
motor and other components.
• Charging port: This is a port that allows you to connect the EV to an external
power source to charge the battery pack.
• Cooling system: An EV’s cooling system is analogous to a radiator in a
traditional automobile. The cooling system assists in keeping the battery pack,
electric motor, power controller, and other powertrain components at optimal
operating temperatures
• DC-to-DC converter: This device transforms the high-voltage electrical current
from the battery pack to a low-voltage current that may be used to replenish
the auxiliary battery. The converter is also utilized to power various car
accessories/components.
• Electric Motor: The electric motor is the core of the electric powertrain,
converting electrical energy from the battery pack to mechanical energy. The
gearbox, which drives the wheels, is linked to the motor.
• Auxiliary battery: An EV, like a petrol or diesel engine-powered
automobile, has a 12-volt battery to power the lights, horn,
accessories, and other vehicle components. The battery is powered
by the energy stored in the main battery pack.
• Transmission: Usually known as a gearbox, it distributes mechanical
energy from the motor to the wheels. The gearbox in EVs is
automated, and the gear configuration is simple in comparison to
traditional automobiles.
• Power Electronics Controller (PEC): This is a controller that controls
the flow of electrical energy from the battery pack. In turn, it
regulates the power and torque output of the electric motor
Working of electric vehicles
• The Power Electronics Controller (PEC) regulates the flow of electrical
energy to the motor when you push the accelerator pedal.
• The amount of current required to power the motor changes based
on the amount of pressure applied to the accelerator pedal.
• When the motor is powered up, the rotors begin to spin and generate
mechanical energy.
• The mechanical energy generated by the motor begins to rotate the
gears or transmission.
• The mechanical energy is transferred to the wheels via the gearbox,
which moves the vehicle forward.
Batteries and Energy Storages
• Batteries and energy storage systems are devices that store energy in
a chemical or electrical form and then release it as needed.
• Batteries work by converting chemical energy into electrical energy.
They consist of two electrodes, a positive and a negative, immersed in
an electrolyte. When a circuit is completed between the electrodes, a
chemical reaction occurs, generating an electric current.
• There are many different types of batteries, the most common type of
battery is the lead-acid battery, other types include lithium-ion,
nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc.
Lithium iron (Li-On) batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, high-energy-density batteries
that are widely used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and
energy storage systems.
• They are popular due to their high energy density, which means they
can store more energy in a smaller space compared to other types of
batteries.
• They also have a long lifespan and can be recharged hundreds of
times.
• Lithium-ion batteries work by using a lithium-ion electrolyte to move
lithium ions between two electrodes, typically made of graphite and
lithium cobalt oxide. The movement of the ions generates an electric
current.
Nickel-Metal Hybrid (NiMH) batteries
• Nickel-Metal Hybrid batteries, on the other hand, are less common
than lithium-ion batteries and are primarily used in hybrid electric
vehicles.
• They have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries but are
more durable and have a longer lifespan.
NiMH batteries consist of a positive electrode made of nickel
oxyhydroxide, a negative electrode made of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy,
and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.
The movement of the hydrogen ions between the electrodes generates an
electric current.
Regenerative Braking system
• Regenerative braking is a system used in some hybrid and electric vehicles
to capture energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and use it
to recharge the vehicle's battery.
• When a conventional vehicle brakes, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is
converted into heat through friction between the brake pads and the
brake rotors, and this energy is lost as heat to the environment. However,
in a regenerative braking system, the electric motor acts as a generator,
and the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted into electrical energy as
the motor slows down the vehicle. This electrical energy is then used to
recharge the battery
• Regenerative braking systems can help improve the energy efficiency of
hybrid and electric vehicles. They can increase the range of electric
vehicles by providing additional energy for the battery, and they can
reduce the amount of energy required from the battery during normal
driving, which can help extend its lifespan
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)
• Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are vehicles that combine an internal
combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery.
• The ICE and electric motor work together to power the vehicle, with
the electric motor providing additional power and improving fuel
efficiency.
Types of HEVs
HEVs can be classified into different types based on how the electric
motor and ICE work together.
• The most common type is the parallel hybrid, where both the ICE and
electric motor can power the vehicle independently or in
combination.
• Another type is the series hybrid, where the ICE is used solely to
generate electricity to power the electric motor and charge the
battery.
Advantages of EV
• Environmental benefits: EVs produce zero emissions and are
therefore better for the environment than traditional gasoline-
powered vehicles.
• Reduced operating costs: EVs have lower operating costs than
traditional vehicles because they require less maintenance and fuel
costs are lower.
• Improved performance: Electric motors deliver instant torque, which
provides better acceleration and responsiveness than traditional
engines. EVs are also quieter and smoother to drive.
• Energy independence: EVs can be powered by renewable energy
sources such as solar or wind power, which can help reduce reliance
on fossil fuels
Challenges in EV
• Range anxiety: The driving range of an EV is dependent on several
factors such as the size of the battery pack, driving style, temperature,
and use of accessories. To address this challenge, automakers are
continuously improving battery technology, increasing the number of
charging stations, and providing more accurate range estimations
• Battery cost and performance: The cost and performance of the
battery pack are a significant factor in the overall cost and
performance of an EV.
• Charging infrastructure: The availability of charging stations is a
critical factor in the adoption of EVs
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
• In a plug-in hybrid, the electric battery is the primary power source
for the car. When the battery runs down, the internal combustion
engine takes over. In a full hybrid, the battery only provides enough
power for driving the car at slower speeds
• PHEVs have a larger battery pack than conventional hybrids and can
operate in electric-only mode for a limited distance before switching
to the gasoline engine.
• This allows PHEVs to offer the benefits of electric vehicles while also
providing the extended range of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles
Emission control in Automobile
• Emission control refers to the process of reducing or eliminating
harmful emissions produced by vehicles, industries, and other
sources of pollution.
• The primary objective of emission control is to mitigate the negative
impact of pollutants on human health and the environment
• It involves the use of technologies such as catalytic converters,
exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, and diesel particulate filters
(DPF) to reduce the amount of harmful gases and particulate matter
released into the atmosphere
Types of emissions produced by automobiles
• Hydrocarbons (HC): Hydrocarbons are compounds made up of
hydrogen and carbon that are released during the incomplete
combustion of fuel. They are a major contributor to the formation of
ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health and the
environment
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas
that is produced during the combustion of fuel. It is toxic to humans
and can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health problems
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Nitrogen oxides are compounds produced
when nitrogen and oxygen react at high temperatures, such as in the
combustion chamber of an engine. They contribute to the formation
of acid rain and smog, which can cause respiratory problems and
other health issues
• Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate matter refers to tiny particles of
solids and liquids that are released into the air during combustion.
These particles can be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory
problems and other health issues.
BS4 and BS6
• BS4 and BS6 are two different emission standards that have been
implemented in India by the government to control air pollution
caused by automobiles
• BS4, also known as Bharat Stage 4, is an emission standard that was
introduced in India in 2010. It required all new automobiles to meet
certain emission standards for hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide
(CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). BS4
emission standards allowed for a maximum of 50 parts per million
(ppm) of sulfur in diesel fuel.
• BS6, also known as Bharat Stage 6, is a stricter emission standard that
was introduced in India in 2020. It requires all new automobiles to
meet even more stringent emission standards for HC, CO, NOx, and
PM. BS6 emission standards allowed for a maximum of 10 ppm of
sulfur in diesel fuel, which is a significant reduction from the 50 ppm
allowed under BS4
• The main difference between BS4 and BS6 is the level of pollutants
that are allowed to be emitted by new automobiles. BS6 has much
stricter limits on the amount of pollutants that can be emitted, which
means that vehicles need to be equipped with more advanced
emission control systems to meet these standards. As a result,
vehicles that comply with BS6 standards are generally considered to
be cleaner and more fuel-efficient than those that comply with BS4
standards
Indian motor vehicle Act
• The Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) is an important piece of legislation in
India that governs the registration, licensing, and use of motor
vehicles on Indian roads.
• The Act has been amended several times over the years to keep up
with changes in technology and road safety requirements
• The Act lays down various rules and regulations for the safe and
efficient operation of motor vehicles on Indian roads.
• It mandates that all motor vehicles must be registered with the local
transport authorities and that drivers must have a valid license to
operate a vehicle.
• The Act also sets standards for vehicle safety, including mandatory
use of seat belts and helmets, and requires manufacturers to meet
certain safety standards for their vehicles
• One of the most significant recent changes to the MVA was the
increase in penalties for traffic violations, which were raised
substantially in 2019.
• These penalties are now among the highest in the world, and are
aimed at promoting better compliance with traffic rules and
improving road safety
• Overall, while the Motor Vehicles Act has played an important role in
regulating the use of motor vehicles on Indian roads, there is a need
for ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce pollution
through better policies and more effective enforcement.