In Pictures: How do all-electric cars work?

Preeti Verma | Nov 21, 2021, 03:07 PM IST

All-electric vehicles (EVs), also referred to as battery electric vehicles, have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Because it runs on electricity, the vehicle emits no exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. Key components of an all-electric car. 
 

1/6

Battery

Battery

Battery (all-electric auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the auxiliary battery provides electricity to power vehicle accessories. 

2/6

DC/DC converter and Electric traction motor

DC/DC converter and Electric traction motor

DC/DC converter: This device converts higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery. Electric traction motor: Using power from the traction battery pack, this motor drives the vehicle's wheels. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions.
 

3/6

Onboard charger and Power electronics controller

Onboard charger and Power electronics controller

Onboard charger: Takes the incoming AC electricity supplied via the charge port and converts it to DC power for charging the traction battery. It also communicates with the charging equipment and monitors battery characteristics such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge while charging the pack. Power electronics controller: This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it produces.
 

4/6

Thermal system and Traction battery pack

Thermal system and Traction battery pack

Thermal system (cooling): This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components. Traction battery pack: Stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor.
 

5/6

Transmission

Transmission

Transmission (electric): The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to drive the wheels.

6/6

Charge port

Charge port

Charge port: The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply in order to charge the traction battery pack.

By accepting cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

x