According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, electric cars are predicted to account for 54% of worldwide new car sales by 2040. This is fantastic, right especially because more people are concerned about traffic pollution.
But let me ask you a question. Are you one of the many people who have switched to electric vehicles but have no idea how they work? Have you been curious but found it too technical or difficult to understand it? After all, you’re not alone! Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, it’s vital to understand how they work, not just for auto enthusiasts but for anybody who drives, but sadly, many people still have little understanding of how they work.
So, having an extensive understanding of how electric vehicles work is preferable. This blog will address topics ranging from the benefits and drawbacks of electric vehicles to the operation and longevity of EV batteries, among others.
This guide is for you if you are a customer wishing to switch to an electric car, a company owner interested in implementing sustainable transportation practices, or anyone who is curious about how electric vehicles work. I am confident that by the end of this blog, you will have a better grasp of how EVs work and will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing or operating electric vehicles.
Why wait then? Let’s explore the fascinating world of electric vehicles today!
Before we go any further Let’s begin by gaining a grasp of the battery, an EV’s most important and functional part.
How does an EV battery work?
Understanding how the battery works is critical for anyone interested in driving or owning an electric vehicle. EV batteries come in a variety of forms, including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and solid-state batteries. Let’s start with Lithium-ion batteries, which are the most prevalent and frequently utilized in electric vehicles due to their high energy density and extended lifespan.
At its core, an EV battery is a densely packed collection of hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny cells connected in series or parallel arrangements. Each cell is made up of positive (cathode) and negative (anode) electrodes, a separator, and a liquid solution called an electrolyte in the center. The positive electrode contains a lithium-based chemical, whereas the negative electrode is made up of graphite.
The principle behind the lithium-ion battery is to circulate electrons by creating a difference in potential between two electrodes, one positive and the other negative.
During the charging process, an electric current introduced via an external source separates the electrons from the lithium atoms in the cathode. These electrons flow around an outside circuit to the anode – which is composed of graphite. While the ionized lithium atoms flow to the anode through the electrolyte and are reunited with their electrons. This movement of lithium ions creates an electrical charge that’s stored in the battery.
When you drive your EV, the process is reversed(discharging). The lithium ions in the anode move to the positive electrode, creating an electric current that powers the motor.
So, did you notice how simple it is to grasp and how it is not rocket science? We can learn anything if we put our hearts and souls into it.
Now it’s time to look to address the elephant in the room.
How an EV works?
All electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are propelled by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines like those found in petrol and diesel automobiles. An electric vehicle is made up of three fundamental components:
- Energy storage Unit – As previously discussed, the energy storage device is utilized to store electricity and is nothing more than a chemical rechargeable battery.
- Controller – The controller serves as a gateway to the electric motor. The controller provides power to the electric motor by regulating the amount of electricity dependent on the driver’s use of an accelerator pedal. It also functions as a converter, transforming power from direct current to alternating current. The controller serves as the system’s brain.
- Propulsion system – The propulsion system, is an electric motor that turns electric power into physical energy for movement.
The whole system is a much simpler, more efficient device than the combustion engine found in most cars, enabling you to get the most mileage for your charge and lesser maintenance cost as there is no need for an oil change or emission check.
How many hours does it take to charge an electric car?
To put it simply, it depends. Charging time is influenced by a variety of factors. So let’s go over them one by one.
- The capacity of the EV charger: The charging capacity of the EV charger is a key aspect in determining charging speed. In other words, it is determined by the device’s power rating. The more power it has, the faster an EV will charge. The charging speed of an EV is separated into three easy steps: slow, fast, and rapid.
Slow charging: is also known as level 1 charging, the most basic form of EV charging, and uses an AC supply. However, it can take up to while charging time averages around 10-14 hours or up to 24 hours.
Fast charging: is the most popular method of charging EVs. Most electric vehicles can be charged from empty to 100% in 4-6 hours. In public charging stations, fast chargers are common.
Rapid charging: this is the quickest method of charging EVs. A basic rapid charger is normally rated at 50kW with a DC supply, however, the range can sometimes exceed 100kW. Such gadgets may charge to 80% in as little as 20-30 minutes and provide a full charge in around an hour.
- The charging capacity of an electric vehicle and the size of the battery -When connected to the same energy source, a battery with a small storage capacity can charge faster than a battery with a larger capacity. However, the charging rate is also affected by EV charging capacity. Some EVs can handle higher power inputs. Other electric vehicle models have a much lower power input. In this case, a larger battery with a higher charge capacity can complete the task faster. Here’s a simple method for calculating how long it will take to charge your electric car from empty to full: Charging time = battery size/charging capacity.
For example, if your battery has a capacity of 60KWh and a charging power of 4.4kWh, your charging time would be approximately 13.6 hours (assuming your battery is completely discharged). This is a rough estimate.
- The current state of charge of the battery: If the battery is nearly fully exhausted, charging will take longer than if it is only slightly depleted. The state of Charge refers to the available capacity and maximum possible charge that an EV’s battery can store. Typically, automakers install systems that prevent batteries from draining below or charging above certain levels to extend battery life. It is frequently greater than 80% and less than 20%. After 80% charging, the next 20% may require more hours of charging, so it is preferable to have a battery charged at 80% or less to save time.
- Charging habits: Another aspect influencing charging time is your charging habits and schedule. Simply put, how frequently you charge your vehicle. You can choose between top-up charge and overnight charging.
Top-up charging implies that a person will not let their battery get too low and will charge their vehicle whenever they get the opportunity. This reduces the number of long hours spent charging the station. However, continuous charging may reduce battery life.
Overnight charging is primarily observed in home charger owners. They could charge their electric car at night and have it fully charged by morning.
In addition to the criteria described above, other factors such as the environmental condition, the age of the battery, and others influence how long someone spends on charging.
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
Everyone wishes they could buy an electric car. However, one common question among prospective electric car buyers is, “How long does an EV last?” There is no precise response, and all we can say is that it depends. However, electric car batteries are expected to last 10 to 20 years, or 150,000 to 200,000 miles on average. However, with proper care, the lifespan can be extended.
According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) research, the longevity of an electric automobile is determined by various aspects, including battery life, frequency of use, charging cycle, and maintenance quality.
The battery is the most important component of an electric car, and it deteriorates with time, just like the lithium-ion battery in our phones. This deterioration reduces the number of miles available through recharging. With the battery accounting for the majority of the EV cost, effective battery care is essential for an EV’s extended lifespan. So let’s take a look at some methods for extending battery life.
- Don’t overcharge or Undercharge your EV: Modern electric vehicles include a system that prevents charging and discharging at the maximum and minimum charging levels. Typically, it ranges from 20% to 80%. This helps to extend battery life. As a result, it is preferable to preserve the battery charge at an optimal level rather than waiting for the charge to entirely deplete before charging again.
- Dont use fast charging stations continuously: DC fast charging stations, also known as Level 3 EV charging stations, can let you charge in 30 minutes but can put a strain on your EV battery, therefore use rapid charging stations only when absolutely required, such as on lengthy road journeys.
In addition to what was discussed above,
- Frequency of use: plays a critical part in deciding an electric car’s longevity. The battery will degrade faster if the car is driven frequently, limiting its overall lifespan.
- Proper maintenance: It is critical to extend the life of an electric vehicle. An EV has fewer mechanical parts than a normal ICE-powered vehicle. So there’s no need to take the electric car in for an oil change or a pollution test. However, you should still take your EV in for regular maintenance, such as battery checks and software updates, which can help you detect potential issues early and avoid costly repairs.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles.
What are the advantages of electric cars?
Low maintenance cost: Petrol or diesel-powered vehicles require regular maintenance since they have multiple moving parts. That’s not the case with electric vehicles since they have comparatively lesser moving parts there is less wear and tear on machine parts.
Lower running costs: The cost of charging an electric vehicle is far lower than the cost of gas or diesel. You can further lower your electricity costs by utilizing alternative energy sources such as solar.
Tax and financial benefits: Countries all across the world are pushing for EV adoption. With India embracing the inclusion of EVs, the government offers a variety of policies and incentives to encourage the use of such vehicles. EVs have lower registration costs and road taxes than ICE vehicles.
Better for the planet: The most notable benefit of EVs is that they emit no emissions, which helps to lessen the carbon impact.
Less noise: EVs are significantly quieter than petrol and diesel automobiles. They do not produce the noise levels that gasoline-powered vehicles do.
Free Parking: If you drive a car, you are aware of how tough it is to obtain a better parking spot, particularly in a congested city. Here is where we could often find free, priority, or dedicated parking bays for electric cars.
If there is a positive side, there must be some drawbacks, right? Let us now look at the disadvantages of an electric vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of electric cars?
More expensive to buy: It is one of the major concerts that come to mind when thinking about purchasing an EV. However, as technology advances, the cost of EVs gradually decreases. When we look at the battery pack price (which is the main cost of an EV), we can see that it has dropped from 1220$/kWh to 132$/kWh.
Long charging time: It only takes 5 minutes to fill up your fuel or diesel vehicle. However, charging an EV with a rapid charger takes at least 30 minutes to an hour.
The concern of battery lifespan: Many individuals are concerned about the battery life of an electric vehicle. It usually lasts 10-20 years, however, this can vary depending on how well we maintain the car. Manufacturers typically provide an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on EV batteries. If the maximum battery capacity falls below 70%, the guarantee normally states that it will be replaced or repaired.
Charging infrastructure worries: The location and availability of charging stations are factors that delay EV adoption. According to reports as of 2022, the global optimal EV/public chargers ratio is approximately 6-20 EVs per charger, however, in India, it is around 135. This demonstrates that there is still a significant gap in EV adoption, but as governments and businesses invest in infrastructure, this gap is expected to decrease shortly.
Environmental Impact: Even though EVs have a lower direct impact on the environment, their indirect impact can be significant. Even if an EV produces no emissions, the method of producing electricity is an issue because the power necessary for EV charging stations still relies on thermal power, and lithium, a rare earth metal used in EV batteries, requires a massive mining operation that harms the environment.
With that out of the way, let us go on to something less debated.
Do you need to warm up an electric car?
If you have driven a gas-powered car, you should have been told to turn on the engine for a few minutes before driving, especially on cold days. As a result, the car will have more time to build up oil pressure and guarantee that all lubricants are evenly distributed.
But, if you ask me, do we really need to heat up electric cars? I would say warming up before driving is not necessary for normal temperatures because they do not have an engine to lubricate, but it is recommended while driving on cold days. Because if you get into a cold car and start driving, the vehicle uses the stored electricity in the battery to warm up the interior. This will deplete your battery charge and reduce your driving range. Warming up the automobile by connecting it to a charger before driving can help you conserve battery range.
If you own an EV, you are probably aware of how an EV charging station works, but what about those who aren’t? Let’s find out.
How does an Ev charging station work?
A charging station, often known as an EVSE, is a simple structure that delivers energy for charging electric vehicles. The method is simple: the chargers collect power from the grid and transmit it to the car’s battery via a connector or plug, just like any other gadget you charge by plugging into a wall. The electric motor is powered by the electricity stored in the battery. Electric vehicle batteries can only accept direct currents (DC).
So now let’s look at the steps by step process of using an EV charging station
- Download the app: The first step is to download the app, which will assist you in locating and operating the charging station. There are many charging networks available. You can use our GOEC app to discover the nearest charging station and pay for it instantly.
- Start charging your EV: Once you’ve found the charging station, you can park your car near it, activate a charging port compatible with your vehicle (via the app), and plug it into the vehicle to begin charging.
- Pay for the charging: When the charging is finished, you can pay in a variety of ways. Some take credit cards, while others have various payment options. Don’t be confused; payment instructions will be posted at each charging station. The cost of charging is determined by the number of kilowatt-hours consumed.
The charging station will show you how much energy was transferred to your vehicle as well as how much money the current charging session will cost you. So, let’s take a look at the most common types of EV charging.
Typically, electric vehicle charging stations are outfitted with various types of chargers. The three most prevalent types of EV charging are as follows:
- Level 1 charging: It is possible to do so using a standard 120-volt plug. They charge slowly and are commonly used in homes for overnight charging. Level 1 charging might take more than 24 hours to fully charge an EV battery.
- Level 2 charging: They operate on 240 volts and are commonly seen in households and public charging stations. These chargers can boost your battery’s speed by up to 20 miles per hour. AC chargers, which are slower owing to AC/DC conversion, are typically used in Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
- Level 3 charging: They can be either DC fast charging or rapid charging. Which is significantly faster than AC charging, and rapid chargers can charge your vehicle in 30 minutes to an hour. The majority of DC fast chargers are found in public charging stations. Because it requires a high voltage input and is expensive, it is rarely used at home.
With that said, let us address a tricky question.
Are electric cars cheaper than gas?
Hey, I know the answer that just popped into your mind. But, before we reach a conclusion, let’s look at it from different angles.
Purchase price: I’m sure you already know the answer, but the initial cost of an electric car is far more than that of its ICE counterpart. It is the primary reason why many people avoid owning an EV.
Maintenance: Because there is no internal combustion engine in an EV, there is no need for an oil change or gasket replacement, which could minimize the running cost of an EV when compared to conventional cars, where engine maintenance can be prohibitively expensive. This is not to say that EVs are without costs, but the majority of maintenance will be spent on battery packs. EVs, on the other hand, come with a battery warranty of at least 8 years.
Taxes: The Indian government is supporting the use of EVs by lowering registration costs and road tax on EV purchases compared to ICE vehicles.
Fuel cost: Studies suggest that over the long term, it’s always cheaper to recharge an electric car than refuel a petrol/diesel counterpart.
Cost of insurance: Insurance for electric vehicles is actually more expensive. This is due to the fact that individual repairs can be costly, though they occur less frequently. Insurance costs are projected to decrease as EV penetration increases.
So, after considering the question from various angles, it is clear that, in the current scenario, the initial purchase price of EVs is obviously higher, but when we consider the long-term operating costs, they are less expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles (depending on how you use them). However, as the cost of battery packs falls, the upfront cost of EVs is likely to fall, resulting in greater acceptance.
Conclusion
It was a long journey, isn’t it? By now, you should have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of EV batteries, charging times, EV lifespan, charging station operation, and a wide range of other EV-related issues.
I hope that by this point, you have cleared your doubts about an EV and its functions and are in a better position to answer the question “Why should you buy an EV”- since EVs may appear more expensive upfront, but they are considerably cheaper in the long run than their ICE-powered version. We discussed energy storage devices, the controller, and the propulsion system as we moved into the inner workings of EVs. This information will come in handy when deciding whether or not to make a switch to an electric vehicle.
So if you’re ready to join the EV revolution, go ahead and take that first step. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much you’ll save in the long run!