Electric cars, which set the scheme of the future in the automotive industry, have shown great development since the late 20th century. These vehicles, which are of great importance in terms of fuel saving, also prevent environmental pollution. In addition to eliminating the pollution emitted by fossil fuels, electric vehicles are one of the most popular representatives of green energy, which creates around 50% less environmental pollution in carbon dioxide emissions compared to other model vehicles.
Cars that work with the help of electric motors are charged with storage devices such as batteries. By converting the energy in the electric motor to torque, walking vehicles achieve a powerful and fast performance just like gasoline vehicles.
Electric vehicles, which started to be developed from the end of the 19th century with the developing technology, were considered to be very small and useless in the first period they emerged. Electric automotives, which were seen as mild hybrid vehicles in the early periods, have reached the usability, power and speed that do not look like normal vehicles in the 21st century. Electric vehicles, which are starting to be compared with internal combustion engines, are seen in a very environmentally friendly and low-cost structure due to the use of lithium-ion battery batteries. These vehicles, which attract attention due to the fact that they do not cost fuel and do not cause environmental pollution, also operate very quietly due to their electric nature.
Electric motors, which are very economical in terms of the number of parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, have started to be sold at very reasonable prices with the further development of technology in this field. These vehicles, which attract attention in terms of efficiency and durability, typically operate on the following principle: the energy in the electric motor is converted into mechanical energy with the movement of the wheels. Thanks to this movement, the vehicle, which gains torque, moves forward by gaining acceleration.
Types of Electric Cars
Electric vehicles are divided into different types within the category with the development of technology. These cars, which differ in terms of use, differ from each other especially in terms of engine function. Accordingly, the types of electric cars are as follows;
- Fully electric cars/ battery electric cars (BEV)
- Hybrid cars (HEV)
- Mild hybrid cars (MHEV)
- Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV)
- Fuel cell electric cars (FCEV)
How Battery Electric Cars Work
Electric vehicles differ from each other in terms of engine components and usage types. Although they have advantages and disadvantages among themselves, the common point of these vehicles is that they all have electrical energy. These vehicles, which seem to be gentler than the internal combustion engine vehicles, have achieved the robustness of all mechanical parts thanks to the developing technology. Although these vehicles, which contain more than one electrical component, are separated from each other in terms of engine type, most of them use identical parts. Accordingly, the types of electric vehicle parts are;
- Battery
- Charging port
- DC/DC converter
- Electric traction motor
- Built-in charger
- Power electronic controller
- Thermal system
- Traction battery pack
- Transmission
Vehicles that use these parts in common differ from each other in terms of energy use. Accordingly, if we need to take a closer look at the types of electric cars:
- All-electric cars/ battery electric cars (BEV)
Purely as the name electric cars suggests, it works using only electrical energy. These vehicles are the most highly anticipated models of the future, as they are environmentally friendly and save a lot in terms of fuel. The main components in these tools are:
- Hybrid Cars (HEV)
Vehicles that use more than one energy source are called hybrid cars. In addition to the gasoline or diesel engine, the electric motor is also used in hybrid vehicles to accelerate the vehicle to move forward.
- Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV)
Vehicles that use both battery energy, electricity and fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel are called plug-in hybrid cars. These vehicles are known for recharging at charging stations located in certain regions. Plug-in vehicles, which are among the most popular models in the developing technology, also charge themselves at every braking moment thanks to the regenerative braking system.
4. Fuel cell electric cars (FCEV)
Fuel cell electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity to power an electric motor. Unlike other electric vehicles, these cars are powered by fuel cell engines.
5. Mild hybrid cars (MHEV)
Electric vehicles powered by a 48-volt battery and starter motor are called mild hybrids. The electrical energy accumulated in the battery of these engines supports the acceleration of the vehicle by starting the internal combustion engine.
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