Electric Motors for Electric Vehicle: Electric motors are the heart of electric vehicles
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Electric Motors for Electric Vehicle |
They convert electrical energy to mechanical energy which is then used to power the wheels of the vehicle. Different types of electric motors are used in electric vehicles depending on the vehicle requirements. The most common types are DC motors and AC induction motors.
DC Motors
DC motors or direct current motors are powered directly by DC electric power
sources like batteries. They have advantages of high starting torque, ability
to efficiently operate across a wide speed range and ability to control speed
through variation of input voltage. They are used in many small EVs and hybrids
like neighbourhood electric vehicles or NEVs. Some limitations of DC motors are
brush and commutator wear over time, relatively lower efficiency compared to AC
motors and requirement of external electronics for speed control.
AC Induction Motors
AC induction motors or asynchronous motors are increasingly becoming popular in
electric vehicles. They are powered by alternating current and contain
stationary copper windings on the stator and rotating aluminium or copper
windings on the rotor. The alternating magnetic field generated by the stator
windings induces currents in the rotor windings which produce rotational force.
AC induction motors have advantages like higher power density, higher
efficiency, lower maintenance needs as they don't have brushes and ability to
operate at constant speeds. They require external electronics like inverters to
convert DC power from battery into AC for operation. Some automakers like Tesla
use three phase AC induction motors in their electric vehicles.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Permanent magnet synchronous motors or PMSM are also gaining traction in EVs.
They contain permanent magnets on the rotor instead of windings. This allows
them to have higher power density and efficiency compared to induction motors.
The rotor is excited by permanent magnets made of materials like Neodymium
instead of by electric current. PMSMs require precise electronic control of
current in stator windings to generate a rotating magnetic field to turn the
rotor. They offer benefits like high torque at low rpm, compact size and
ability to work efficiently at variable speeds through field oriented control
algorithms. Companies like BMW and Nissan are using PMSM in electric
powertrains.
Motor Control Electronics
Electric
Motors For Electric Vehicle play
a vital role in electric vehicles. They convert the DC power from the battery
into the needed AC/DC power for motor operation. Modern electric vehicle
powertrains use control systems consisting of semiconductor switches,
microprocessors and sensors. Systems like motor controllers or motor drives use
PWM (pulse width modulation) inverters to generate AC for induction motors.
They also provide field-oriented control, sensor feedback system and coordinate
motor torque production according to accelerator pedal input, vehicle speed and
other parameters. Advancements in motor control electronics are key enablers in
improving driving performance and efficiency of electric vehicles.
Multi-Motor Configurations
Most modern EVs use multiple electric motors optimally arranged to power the
vehicle efficiently and provide features like all-wheel-drive capability. Some
popular multi-motor configurations used are:
- Front Motor + Rear Motor: Motors placed on the front and rear axles to
provide acceleration, handling and traction similar to conventional AWD
vehicles. Example: Tesla Model S, Model X.
- Dual Rear Motors: Two motors powering the rear wheels independently for
torque vectoring and improved handling. Example: Rivian R1T.
- Wheel Hub Motors: Motors embedded in each wheel hub for maximum traction and
torque control. Example: Microlino, Arcimoto.
Using multiple motors along with systems like torque vectoring allows features
like torque steering for agility, traction control in slippery conditions and
recovery from skidding or fishtailing. It leads to better driving dynamics and
safety in electric vehicles.
a variety of electric motors for electric vehicle are enabling
the electrification of transportation. Advancements in motors, power
electronics and control algorithms will further enhance the driving range,
performance and overall viability of electric vehicles going forward.
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Motors For Electric Vehicle
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research
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healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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