Nov 29, 2015
The Basics:EV: electric vehiclesAn electric vehicle (EV), also referred to as an
electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion.
Electric vehicles first came into existence in the mid-19th century, when electricity was among the preferred methods for motor vehicle propulsion, providing a level of comfort and ease of operation that could not be achieved by the gasoline cars of the time.
The ComponentsWhat is out there that you need to have to
build an EV (besides batteries)?MotorControllerChargerDC/DC ConverterHeaterInstrumentationContactor(s)Safety Equipment
MotorsTypically brushed DC series wound
Motors are available and inexpensive100% torque at 0 RPMNo inverter stage requiredLower voltage system (72-156VDC)Bearings and brushes are potential
maintenance items
ControllersIn General, Volts = Speed, Amps = Torque
Curtis[to 144 VDC, 500 Amps]
Auburn Scientific[ 192 VDC, 1200 Amps]
DCP[to 336 VDC, 600/1200 Amps]
EVCL[to 336 VDC, 1200 Amps]
GeneratorOnboard generators and hybrid electric
vehicle.renewable sources such as solar power: solar
vehiclegenerated on-board using a diesel engine:
diesel-electric locomotivegenerated on-board using a fuel cell: fuel cell
vehiclegenerated on-board using nuclear energy:
nuclear submarines and aircraft carrier
Charging Electric vehicles typically charge from
conventional power outlets or dedicated charging stations, a process that typically takes hours, but can be done overnight and often gives a charge that is sufficient for normal everyday usage.
InstrumentationInstrumentation can be as simple as an
expanded scale voltmeter, but can be sophisticated, and include:Traction Pack VoltmeterBattery Current AmmeterMotor Current AmmeterAmp-hour/kWh meter .
SafetyInertia switch to deactivate contactor(s)
same as is used to shut off fuel pumps in ICE cars
AGM batteries - no spillageService disconnects - BIG circuit breakersFusesTraction pack is electrically isolated from
frameCrash load rating recommended for battery
boxes
PerformanceAcceleration and speed
About the same as ICERanges from economy car to muscle car.DC motors great for drag racing
Emission
The EV’s are eco-friendly and greatly help in reducing the pollution caused by the vehicles.
The study called BELFAST BUS SURVEY clearly explains it.
SURVEY.Fuel Consumed (kWh/mile)
Diesel Electric Savings4.9 2.2 55%
Pollutants (gms/mile) Diesel Electric Savings
CO2 1331 1058 21%CO 7.64 0.18 98%NOx+SO2 19.96 11.52 42%Hydrocarbons 2.74 0.18 93%Particulates 5.1 0.2 96%