How Does an Electric Vehicle Work?
3 Answers
Electric vehicles operate on the principle that a battery supplies current, which is then regulated by a power controller to drive the motor's powertrain system, propelling the vehicle forward. An electric vehicle (BEV) refers to a vehicle that uses an onboard power source as its driving force, employs an electric motor to drive the wheels, and meets all the requirements of road traffic and safety regulations. For cars powered by fuel cells, the chemical reaction process in the fuel cell does not produce harmful byproducts, making fuel cell vehicles pollution-free. Moreover, the energy conversion efficiency of fuel cells is 2 to 3 times higher than that of internal combustion engines. Therefore, from the perspectives of energy utilization and environmental protection, fuel cell vehicles represent an ideal mode of transportation.
I've been driving an electric vehicle for over two years now, and the biggest takeaway is how quiet and cost-effective it is. Unlike gasoline cars that burn fuel, it relies on electricity from the battery pack to power the motor, which directly drives the wheels when activated. Plugging into a charging station feeds grid electricity into the large battery, a process as simple as charging a phone. The most fascinating part is the regenerative braking system that recaptures energy during deceleration, storing it back in the battery. For city driving, the electricity cost per 100 kilometers is just around ten yuan, significantly cheaper than refueling. However, it's important to note that batteries are sensitive to cold, with winter range typically reduced by about 20%, making models equipped with heat pump air conditioning more practical. Nowadays, long trips are also convenient, as a 30-minute fast charge at service areas can replenish over 300 kilometers of range.
Electric vehicles are actually much simpler in structure than fuel-powered cars, with just three core components: the battery pack, drive motor, and electronic control system. When you press the start button, the battery pack delivers DC power to the inverter through high-voltage lines, converting it into three-phase AC to create a rotating magnetic field in the motor's copper coils, which makes the rotor turn. This driving force is directly transmitted to the tires via a single-speed transmission. The electronic control system acts like a brain, constantly adjusting energy distribution and recovery ratios. The energy flow is clearly displayed on the central screen while driving—the smoother you drive, the lower the energy consumption. I often come across expert drivers who achieve just 5 kWh per 100 kilometers.
