October 31, 2009

How do these new electric vehicles work?
What materials are used to produce power for these vehicles?

You charge the batteries from household AC power via a battery charger. Batteries get charged up and this is your power source to operate the motor.

Motors can be either DC or AC. AC motors require inverters to convert DC into AC and can use variable frequency drives to operate the AC motor at different speeds. AC is a much more expensive system but has advantages like ease of implimenting regenerative braking. DC motors can use PWM speed controls to control motor speed. DC regenerative braking usually requires switching gear.

Accessories that we are accustomed to in regular internal combustion engine cars can be difficult to provide. Power Steering, Power brakes and air conditioning are some examples. Power brakes would require an small electric motor vacuum pump and receiver as a vacuum source. Power steering and AC could also be driven off of accessory motor but can also be powered via a power take off from the main motor. Down side to this method is loss of these accessories when the motor is running at low speed or stopped.




3 Responses to “What are some examples of new electric vehicles?”

  1. Mark G Says:

    You charge the batteries from household AC power via a battery charger. Batteries get charged up and this is your power source to operate the motor.

    Motors can be either DC or AC. AC motors require inverters to convert DC into AC and can use variable frequency drives to operate the AC motor at different speeds. AC is a much more expensive system but has advantages like ease of implimenting regenerative braking. DC motors can use PWM speed controls to control motor speed. DC regenerative braking usually requires switching gear.

    Accessories that we are accustomed to in regular internal combustion engine cars can be difficult to provide. Power Steering, Power brakes and air conditioning are some examples. Power brakes would require an small electric motor vacuum pump and receiver as a vacuum source. Power steering and AC could also be driven off of accessory motor but can also be powered via a power take off from the main motor. Down side to this method is loss of these accessories when the motor is running at low speed or stopped.
    References :
    http://www.myersmotors.com/
    http://www.zapworld.com/
    http://www.evadc.org/build_an_ev.html
    http://www.electricvehiclesusa.com/

  2. Rolando Gueits Says:

    It is simple to see that you are passionate about your writing. Great job!

  3. Electric Bikes Says:

    thanks !! very helpful post!

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