We are still in the midst of adopting electric vehicle technology. Electric vehicles are still new to our society, and there are a lot of things we need to be aware of before we can completely replace our old junk with this futuristic technology. After explaining about EV charging and types of EVs today we are here with EV Powertrain Components.
In this article we are talking about Powertrain, how EV Powertrain is different from ICE Powertrain and also about EV Powertrain Components. So, stay with us till the end to know all the basic details.
☛ What You will Read here
What is Powertrain ?
The powertrain is a systematic arrangement of different components that drive the vehicle by providing it with the required power. This set of components generate the power required to move the wheels. Different vehicles have different powertrains.
How is EV Powertrain Different than ICE Powertrain ?
The main difference which distinguishes the powertrains of Both vehicles is the fuel upon which the vehicle runs. Let’s just understand the difference between the powertrains of IC Engines operated Vehicles and EVs.
Must Check: EV Dictionary : A to Z of Electric Vehicles Terminologies
Components of IC Engine Powertrain:
Since the IC engine stands for Internal Combustion Engine where Petrol or Diesel is used to power up the vehicle. The ICE Vehicle powertrain consists of an Engine, Transmission, and Driveshaft. Other parts that aids in the smooth functioning of the Powertrain such as axels, exhausts, differentials, gears, cooling system, etc. are all included in the ICE powertrain.
Core Parts of EV Powertrain
If you will compare an EV powertrain and ICE vehicle’s powertrain, you will find out that an EV powertrain feature 60% fewer components. The core components are listed below.
Battery Pack: Electric Vehicles derive their power from the Battery Pack installed in them. The Battery Pack is made up of Multiple Lithium-Ion cells packed in different batteries. These batteries provide constant DC(Direct Current) output to the motor.
Also Read: Sodium Batteries could power Future Electric Vehicles
Electric Motor: Electric Vehicles use Electric Motors instead of Engines as that in IC vehicles. The power delivered by the Battery Pack is supplied to the Motor which converts this Electrical Energy into Mechanical Energy thus resulting in the movement of the vehicle. Electric Vehicles have motors that use Regenerative braking which means that the Motors start generating power and start delivering the power back to the battery pack when not consumed.
DC-AC Converter: The battery stores Electrical Energy in the form of DC(Direct Current) but the Synchronous motors installed in the Car require AC power to drive. The conversion of DC to AC is done through DC to AC converter.
Electronic Control Unit(ECU): It is a power control mechanism that controls the magnitude of Voltage and Frequency to be supplied to the motor. According to the Driver’s input, ECU manipulates the Voltage and Frequency to be supplied to the motor.
Know about: EV Charging : Everything You Should Know about.
Examples of Core ECUs are:
In addition to the main parts above, an EV powertrain consists of several hardware and software components. Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are basically software programs that are integrated with powertrain components to help with data exchange and processing, e.g. The powertrain ECU mentioned above.
An EV consists of several small ECUs that perform specific functions. Communication between different ECUs in a vehicle is usually done over the CAN protocol. More examples of core ECUs are:
On-Board Charger: It converts the AC power from the Mains to DC and controls the amount of charge flowing into the battery.
Battery Management System(BMS): Battery Management System is a system that keeps track of the Battery functions. It continuously monitors the Battery for multiple operations and manages the charge required for multiple operations. It also establishes communication between the charger and battery while charging to ensure safe and secure charging. It is also responsible for sharing the battery data with the user.
Body Control Module (BCM): The BCM is responsible for monitoring and controlling the functions of electronic accessories such as security, power windows, mirrors, and vehicle access control.
DC-DC Converter: Battery Pack of the motor operates on High voltage whereas the various auxiliaries installed on the vehicle operate on low voltage. The DC-DC converter converts the high voltage to low voltage so that it can be used for various auxiliaries.
Thermal Management System: Whenever we charge and drive the vehicle, the battery generates heat which can hamper the performance of the battery pack and sometimes can prove to be dangerous. Also, DC fast charger feeds the high value of DC power into the vehicle which heats the battery pack. To keep the vehicle and battery in the safe zone, Thermal Management System is essential.
Important Link: Electric Vehicle News | Electric Vehicle Blog | Best Inventions of 2021
