Sustainability has become an integral part of our lives, resulting in more conscious choices, be it what we wear, how we travel, or even what we drive. As the world embraces sustainable alternatives, the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise.
Electric vehicles (EVs) differ from their traditional counterparts primarily because of their engines. While the internal combustion engine is the chief technology in fuel-based cars, EVs are powered by electric motors.
Read on to explore the different types of motor used in electric vehicles. There are five main types.
List of motors used in electric vehicle
An electrical motor converts the electrical energy stored inside the battery of an EV into mechanical energy. This differs significantly from internal combustion engines, which burn fuel like petrol or diesel to generate energy that powers a car and its systems.
There are five types of motors used in electric vehicles, and each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let us learn more about each of them to understand these nuances better:
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Brushed DC motors
Brushed DC motors were among the first electric motors used in EVs. Although, they are not as common today as they used to be.
Let us have a look at their advantages:
- Cost-effective operation and simplicity in design.
- DC series motors, a subtype of brushed DC motors, deliver higher efficiency and more power output.
- Lesser consumption of energy, especially at lower speeds.
- High precision of operation, enabling greater control of both speed and torque.
Brushed DC motors work by passing a direct current through coils to generate magnetic fields and enable rotational motion. They achieve this through various parts of the motor, such as a rotor, a stator, and a commutator. Ultimately, brushed DC motors are highly suitable for low-cost electric vehicles.
However, they are not without their share of disadvantages:
- Lower efficiency than other standard types of motors.
- Generate high heat during operation, resulting in the need for proper ventilation.
- Require regular maintenance to ensure longevity.
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Brushless DC motors
Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are a more efficient, modern, and popular alternative to brushed DC motors. The major difference between the two is the lack of brushes in Brushless DC motors.
Brushed DC motors use brushes to create contact between a stator and rotor, while a brushless DC motor utilises an electronic commutator that redirects current between the stator and the rotor.
In contrast, brushless DC motors are more compact. This means that they do not run into the same heat management issues as brushed DC motors.
The benefits of brushless DC motors in electric vehicles include:
- Lower maintenance
- Improved power-to-weight ratio
- Enhanced longevity
- Quieter operation
However, brushless DC motors are generally more expensive. Nonetheless, they are well-suited for lightweight EVs.
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Induction motors
Induction motors do not have a commutator, unlike DC motors. Induction motors used in electric vehicles use the principle of electromagnetic induction, allowing the transfer of current and power between a rotor and a stator.
Also known as asynchronous motors, induction motors in EVs have many advantages:
- Provides for higher torque density at lower speeds, which is advantageous for EVs.
- Enhanced power efficiency and reduced risk of overheating.
However, despite being more advanced than DC motors, induction motors also have disadvantages:
- Limited range in terms of speed adjustment.
- More expensive to produce
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Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs)
PMSMs are advanced types of motors used in electric vehicles today. They operate using permanent magnets, generating a magnetic field between the rotor and stator. This results in a variety of operational benefits:
- These offer higher power density, achieved by generating a comparable torque and speed output using less current.
- More flexibility in design, thanks to the unique rotor design and the use of variable frequency drives.
- Customisable winding options for different use cases.
- Low maintenance, greater reliability, and improved longevity.
The main drawback of PMSMs is their complex manufacturing process, which makes them more expensive than regular EV motors.
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Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs)
An SRM is a type of AC electric motor that uses electromagnets to generate torque through the principle of magnetic reluctance. During operation, this reluctance generates enough force to drive the rotor and provides a higher degree of accuracy in torque control.
SRMs have certain advantages, they are:
- Exceptional power efficiency, torque control, and reliability.
- Reduced noise of operation.
- Low heat dissipation
- They are simple to design, produce, and install, making them ideal for affordable EVs.
- High fault tolerance
- Cost-effective
- Low maintenance
Conclusion
As innovation in EVs continues, we are sure to see enhanced designs and motors used in them. For now, each of the five main EV motors offers distinct advantages in terms of torque control, power output optimisation, noise and heating, maintenance costs, durability, and more. Knowing which one is installed in your vehicle will allow you to understand your EV’s power dynamics and guide you on maintaining it.
It is crucial to take preventative measures to safeguard your vehicle in case of any unexpected mishaps. A reliable electric car insurance policy acts as a safety net and provides coverage against accidents, damage, theft, and motor malfunctions. With the right policy, you can drive with peace of mind, knowing you're protected from any issues that may arise with your vehicle or its motor.
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