UNITED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PRAYAGRAJ

ELECTIC VEHICLE (MNEV401)

UNIT-1 (Electric Vehicle)
What is Electric Vehicle?
An electric vehicle is either partially or entirely powered by electricity. Electric cars have fewer
moving components and are simple to maintain. They are also incredibly ecologically beneficial
because they do not utilize any fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel, or even gasoline.
Electric cars utilize a rechargeable battery pack to power the electric motor rather than a
combustion engine. The rechargeable batteries installed within the automobile must be
recharged regularly.
These batteries are not only utilized to power the automobile, but they also power the lights
and wipers. The most significant advantage of this sort of vehicle is that it does not generate
any polluting exhaust.
It lacks the normal liquid fuel components seen in conventional gasoline-driven cars, and
maintenance, and is more cost-effective. Some automobile manufacturers have created hybrid
versions that can run on both electric and gas power.
Because this notion is new, individuals have little information and awareness of it. As more
people begin to use electric vehicles, they will reap the benefits, and demand for EVs is
Predicated to rise in the coming months.
Brief history of electric vehicles (EVs):
19th Century – The Beginning
• 1830s–1880s: Early experiments with electric carriages and locomotives were conducted
in Europe and the U.S. Inventors like Robert Anderson (Scotland) and Thomas
Davenport (USA) developed rudimentary electric-powered vehicles.
• 1889–1891: The first practical electric cars were built in the U.S., with significant
improvements in battery technology and electric motors.
Early 1900s – Golden Age of Electric Cars
• By 1900, electric cars made up around a third of all vehicles on American roads.
• They were quiet, clean, and easy to drive, especially popular in urban areas.
• Famous inventors like Thomas Edison worked on improving EV batteries.
• However, by the 1920s, EVs declined due to:
o Mass production of gasoline cars (like the Ford Model T),
o Better road infrastructure,
o Cheap oil and better range of gas-powered cars.
1930s–1970s – Dormancy and Rebirth
• Electric vehicles faded into obscurity for decades.
• In the 1970s, oil crises revived interest in EVs as a fuel-efficient alternative.
• Efforts were made, but battery limitations and performance issues kept EVs from mass
adoption.
1990s – Early Commercial Efforts
• Automakers began producing limited electric models, such as the GM EV1 (1996).
• New environmental regulations in California pushed manufacturers to develop zero-
emission vehicles.
• However, most of these early programs were discontinued due to cost and lack of
consumer demand.
2000s–Present – EV Revolution
• 2008: Tesla launched the Roadster, proving EVs could be fast, desirable, and have long
range.
• Major automakers began investing heavily in EVs (e.g., Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt).
• Battery technology improved significantly, reducing costs and increasing range.
• 2020s: Governments worldwide offer incentives for EV adoption; companies like Tesla,
BYD, Rivian, and Lucid help make EVs mainstream.
• EVs are now central to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on
fossil fuels.
Types of Electric Vehicles
There are Four types of Electric Vehicles, as follows:

(I) Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): A battery electric vehicle (BEV), is also known as a
pure electric vehicle. It is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that runs only on chemical
energy stored in rechargeable battery packs, with no supplementary source of
propulsion.
(II) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): HEVs are operated by both an internal combustion
engine and an electric motor that draws energy from a battery. However, unlike other
electric vehicles, HEV drivers charge their batteries through regenerative braking.
(III) Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): PHEVs builds on the concept of the regular
hybrid car. They are powered by an internal combustion engine as well as a battery-
driven electric motor. This allows the battery to store enough power to run the
electric motor, reducing your gas use by up to 60%.
(IV) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): FCEVs have many of the same components as
BEVs, such as electric motors and power controllers or inverters; however, the
primary energy source is different. While BEVs use battery energy, FCEVs utilize fuel
cells, which are better than batteries in many aspects.
Components of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are equipped with an electric motor and a battery pack. The primary advantage
of electric cars is that they create no pollutants and are environmentally beneficial.
They also do not utilize any fossil fuels, therefore the automobile is powered by a sustainable
source of energy. The following are the primary components of electric vehicles:

• Charge Port: The charging port links the electric car to a power source from outside.
It powers up the battery pack. The charging port is sometimes positioned in the
vehicle’s front or back.
• DC-DC Converter: The traction battery pack provides a steady voltage. However, the
specifications for various vehicle complex movement. The DC-DC converter
transfers the output power from the battery to the desired level.
• Auxiliary batteries: Auxiliary batteries provide electrical energy to electric car
accessories. In the event that the primary battery fails, the auxiliary batteries will
continue to charge the vehicle.
• Traction battery pack: Electric vehicle battery (EVB) is another name for traction
battery pack. It provides electricity to an electric vehicle’s motors. The battery serves
as a power storage system. It stores energy in the form of direct current (DC current).
• Transmission: It transfers mechanical power from the electric motor to the wheels
through a gearbox. Electric vehicles have the benefit of not requiring multi-speed
gearboxes. To minimize power loss, transmission efficiency should be good.
• Electric motor: The essential component of an electric vehicle is the electric traction
motor. The wheels are rotated by this energy. The major component that
distinguishes an electric automobile from a normal car is its electric motor.
• Thermal system (cooling): The thermal management system is in charge of
keeping the key components of an electric vehicle, such as the electric motor and
controller, at a constant working temperature. It also works while charging to
provide optimal performance. It employs a mix of thermoelectric, forced air, and
liquid cooling.
 • Power inverter: It converts DC power from the batteries to alternating current
electricity. It also transforms the alternating current generated by regenerative
braking into a direct current. This is also used to charge the batteries.
• Controller: The operation of an electric vehicle is determined by the power
electronics controller. It regulates the flow of electrical energy from batteries to
electric motors. The driver’s pedal affects the car’s speed and the frequency of
voltage fluctuation input to the motor.

Advantages of Electric Vehicles

(I) Eco-friendly: Because electric vehicles do not utilize fuel for combustion, there are
no emissions or gas exhaust. Vehicles that run on fossil fuels contribute significantly
to hazardous gas accumulation in the environment, thus driving an electric car can
help contribute to a cleaner environment.
(II) Renewable energy source: Electric vehicles run on renewable power, whereas
conventional automobiles function on the combustion of fossil fuels, which reduces
the world’s fossil-fuel stocks.
(III) Less noise and smoother motion: Driving an electric car is significantly smoother.
Because they lack fast-moving elements, they are quieter and produce less noise.
(IV) Cost-effective: Electricity is far less expensive than fuels such as gasoline and diesel,
which are subject to regular price increases. When solar electricity is utilized at home,
battery recharging is cost-effective.
(V) Low maintenance: Because electric cars have fewer moving components, wear and
tear is reduced when compared to traditional auto parts. Repairs are also simpler
and less expensive than combustion engines.
(VI) Government support: Governments throughout the world have granted tax breaks
to encourage people to drive electric vehicles as part of a green program.
Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
(I) High initial cost: Electric vehicles continue to be quite expensive, and many buyers
believe they are not as inexpensive as traditional automobiles.
(II) Charging station limitations: People who need to travel long distances are
concerned about finding adequate charging stations in the middle of their journey,
which are not always accessible.
(III) Recharging takes time: Unlike conventional automobiles, which require only a few
minutes to replenish their gas tanks, charging an electric vehicle takes many hours.
(IV) Limited options: Currently, there aren’t many electric car models to pick from in
terms of appearance, style, or customized variations.
(V) Less driving range: The driving range in an electric vehicle (EV) refers to the distance
that the vehicle can travel on a single charge of its battery. When compared to
conventional automobiles, electric vehicles have a shorter driving range.
Comparison Table of Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
Pros Cons
Electric cars are powered by batteries, thus they emit no Electric vehicles have a high initial purchase cost, and
emissions, which helps to keep pollution under control in many consumers cannot afford them in their budgets,
the environment. thus they are hesitant to move from regular vehicles
to electric vehicles.
Although electric cars rely on renewable energy, they Due to the lack of electric car models accessible to the
assist to protect non-renewable energy supplies, which market, buyers have few alternatives in terms of
are fast depleting owing to broad use. design, appearance, or customized variants.
The moving components in electric vehicles are less People who travel long distances are concerned about
numerous than those in traditional automobiles, which becoming stuck because there are fewer charging
means they last longer. Repairing EVs is also less outlets accessible.
expensive than regular automobiles.
Driving an electric car is significantly smoother and The charging time of an electric car is around four to
quieter since there are no fast-moving pistons. six hours.
Governments all across the globe have provided tax The electric vehicle gets less mileage than gasoline-
breaks to encourage people to buy electric vehicles. powered vehicles and is only appropriate for short
journeys.
Comparison of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles
Category Electric Vehicles (EVs) Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles

Power Source Electric motor powered by battery Gasoline or diesel engine

Fuel Efficiency High (up to 90% energy efficiency) Lower (20–30% energy efficiency)

Emissions Zero tailpipe emissions Emits CO₂, NOx, and other pollutants

Operating Costs Lower (electricity is cheaper, fewer moving parts) Higher (fuel, maintenance, oil changes)

Maintenance Minimal (no oil, fewer parts, regenerative braking) Frequent (oil, filters, engine servicing)

Delayed torque, gear-dependent

Acceleration Instant torque, smooth acceleration
acceleration

Range 150–400+ miles (varies by model) 300–500+ miles (generally longer)

Long (30 min to several hours, depending on

Refueling Time Short (5–10 minutes at gas station)
charger)

Infrastructure Growing, but limited in some areas Widespread and well-established

Noise Very quiet Noisy, especially under load

Environmental
Lower (especially with renewable electricity) High (fossil fuel extraction and combustion)
Impact

Upfront Cost Higher (but decreasing, with tax incentives) Lower upfront, but higher long-term costs