Electric Cars Facts

Electric cars use one of two different types of motors: AC and DC. If the motor is the former, then it typically has a three-phase AC motor running at 240 volts with a 300 volt battery pack. However, if the motor is the latter, then it may run on anything from 96 to 192 volts. The majority of DC motors used in electric vehicles come from the electric forklift industry.

DC motors and installations tend to be more simplistic and less expensive in nature. Most DC motors will be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 watts. One primary advantage of DC motors is that you can put the EV into overdrive, up to a factor of ten to one, for short durations of time. For example, a 20,000 watt motor will accept 100,000 watts for a short period of time while delivering five times its rated horsepower. This is a great feature for short bursts of acceleration. The only limitation with this technique, though, is that it builds up heat within the motor. Too much overdriving may lead the motor to heat up to the point where it may self-destruct.

The DC’s counterpart, the AC motor, allows the use of virtually any industrial three-phase AC motor. In terms of the installation, this makes for an easier process when finding a motor with a specific size, shape, or power.

Besides the motor, the most important component under the hood of an electric car is the battery by far. However, it is probably the weakest link of an EV. There are at least six major problems with current battery technology. For one, car batteries can be heavy: A typical lead-acid battery pack weights about 1,000 pounds.

They are also voluminous and take up a lot of room. Moreover, a typical battery has a limited capacity of 12 to 15 kilowatt hours of electricity, which gives its vehicle about 50 miles of range. Batteries have short life spans, perhaps three or four years with normal use. And, they are extremely expensive to repair and replace, with some lithium-ion batteries costing over $10,000.

Do you have any tips on maintaining the motor and battery of an electric car? How do you think EV engines compare to the internal combustion ones found in gas-powered vehicles?

Related posts:

1. Common FAQs about Electric Cars
2. Popular Electric Car Motors for Your EV Vehicle
3. Just How Green Are Electric Cars?