How Do Electric Vehicle's Work?

There are a number of benefits to owning an electric vehicle. With an eco-friendlier commute and lower running costs, it is no surprise that an increasing amount of drivers are switching to electric every year.

While it is easy to make the switch to electric vehicles, it can be harder to understand exactly how they work. From torques to charging points, hybrid vehicles, and regenerative braking, Donnelly Group has the rundown to eliminate any confusion.

What types of electric vehicles are there?

There are three main types of electric vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs).

BEVs are powered using a rechargeable battery and are completely electric, so do not require any traditional fuel.

PHEVs and MHEVs are powered using a combination of the electric motor and traditional fuel. The difference is that PHEVs can be powered by either electricity or fuel independently, whereas MHEVs use these two power sources simultaneously.

How does an electric engine work?

Electric cars and vans are powered using electricity that is stored in the vehicle’s rechargeable battery.

As with traditional motors, the electric motor produces ‘torque’, which is the force that drives the vehicle forward.

However, the absence of gear changing in an electric vehicle means an electric motor generates more torque than a traditional vehicle. This allows for instant acceleration and is the reason many drivers claim it feels much lighter to drive an electric vehicle than a diesel or petrol car.

What are the internal components of an electric vehicle?

Compared with traditional diesel or petrol vehicles, electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts.

• The battery stores the electricity required to run the vehicle
• The charging port is where you connect to an electric charging point to recharge the vehicle’s battery
• The inverter converts the electricity for use within the electric motor
• The electric motor supplies power to move the vehicle forward
• The drivetrain is what delivers the power from the motor to the wheels and provides acceleration
• The controller is what manages and connects the entire system

How does charging work?

Charging your electric vehicle is easy and hassle-free. Most modern electric vehicles can travel over 200 miles on one charge!

Electric vehicles can be charged by plugging into an electric charging point. These chargers are connected to the national electricity grid, the same source that provides power for lights, TVs, and phone chargers.

A bonus with electric vehicles is regenerative braking, which is the ability to top up your battery as you drive. When the driver brakes or the car is slowing down, the electric motor acts as an alternator, meaning the mechanical energy is converted back into electricity and returns it to your battery.

You can recharge your electric vehicle using one of the 337 electric charging points across Northern Ireland, but it is worthwhile getting one installed at home for handy overnight charging.

Donnelly Group has a range of electric cars, vans, and fleet options available. Get in touch today to discover how we can help you find the electric vehicle to suit your needs.