Today’s automobile technology and engineering is impressive. Specifically, electric cars and how they work. From the first experience with electric automobiles in the 1800’s, here’s how electric cars work today.
Hybrids: Gas and Electric
First, electric cars use different types of batteries. This depends on if the car is hybrid or purely
electric. Hybrids use Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lead Acid batteries. These batteries are similar to regular car batteries. Just as a regular battery recharges itself, so do these. Because these batteries have two sources of power, they can last roughly up to 10 years. Surprisingly, most hybrid cars do not have the plug-in option. U.S. Dept. of Energy says, “Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which uses energy stored in batteries. ” DC/DC electrical current recharges the battery. Also, hybrids have an electric generator. The electric power helps reduce gas emissions, especially when stopped. So, less fuel emissions in the air when you pull one of these through a long drive-thru.
Hybrid cars use electric power until it needs the gas. Then, the gas fuels the engine itself and the electric generator for restoring electric energy. The transmission transfers mechanical power from the engine or electric traction motor. Hybrid cars do use oil.
Electric
Unlike hybrids, the only way to power your car is by plugging it into an electric grid. According to EDF Energy, there are five components that make up an all-electric engine. First, the current is typically AC, but can be DC/AC. The inverter takes care of the electrical currency. Then, the drivetrain is responsible for the single-speed transmission. However, the batteries do not recharge while the car is in motion. Newer electric cars will last roughly 250 miles before it has to stop at a charging station. There is talk about “electric roads” that will recharge cars from pavement to car in the future. Electric cars are purely electric as they don’t require oil.
And that is how electric cars work. They are becoming increasingly popular as electric automobile engineering and technology improve. Soon, they’ll be all over the road and we can reduce our carbon dioxide emissions! Would you buy a hybrid/electric car? Let us know in the comments!
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Tracy is the Design Manager here at Redwood Creative. She’s been designing amazing graphics and web layouts for large and small businesses for upwards of 7 years.