Electric car connected to a charging station
Electric cars are powered by a battery
Electric cars are vehicles powered by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. These batteries with very variable capacity can travel up to several hundred kilometers on a single charge. In order to optimize their performance and lifespan, it is recommended to respect their charge cycle. It is also necessary Charge the battery of your electric car with appropriate equipment. For the installation of a reliable and efficient infrastructure at home or in the company, this is possible Contact an installer of charging stations for your electric car on-line. Trust an experienced specialist. Charging your electric car at home or in the office (the places where you spend most of your time) is the best way to keep your battery charged and avoid range anxiety.
In addition, the range of an electric vehicle depends on many criteria, above all on the capacity of its battery. The bigger it is, the more you can ride it. However, you can improve your battery life by adopting simple reflexes familiar to many motorists. When driving an electric vehicle, for example, a calmer, more flexible and smooth driving style is to be preferred. This will of course reduce your consumption. Similarly, by applying predictive braking, you also reduce the restart and restart sequences, which consume a lot of energy.
And finally, before you get behind the wheel of your electric car, make it a habit to program or manually start the heating or air conditioning when the car is connected. In this way, the required energy is drawn directly from your mains supply and not from the battery.
What types of batteries are used in electric cars?
Electric car manufacturers use several types of batteries
lead-acid batteries
The lead acid battery is one of the oldest technologies. Invented in 1859, these batteries power the circuitry of thermal devices or accessories, such as B. the starter. They are very heavy and remain very cumbersome, because bulky. However, they are very economical, easy to manufacture and easy to recycle. Since the 1980s, however, this battery has been replaced by other, more efficient technologies in the automotive industry.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Very popular in the mid-2000s, nickel-metal hydride batteries were popular primarily because of their relatively light weight and success their good autonomy. They will only see a decline with the advent of lithium-ion technology, which to date is the most widely used technology for electric vehicle batteries.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Developed in the early 1990s, lithium-ion batteries have gradually become established the reference when it comes to powering electric cars. Its great advantages remain its long service life and its significantly higher energy density compared to other technologies. However, lithium ions require appropriate conditioning as well as precise charge control. The latter is usually ensured by a special electronic circuit.
How is the electric motor powered?
In order to be propelled, the electric motor of cars converts the electricity coming out of it the battery into mechanical energythat drives the vehicle. The way it works is essentially based on the principle of electromagnetism. Specifically, two identical magnetic poles repel each other, while two opposite ones attract each other. In fact, the electric motor consists mainly of two components: the stator (static) and the rotor (rotating). The stator generates a fixed longitudinal magnetic field from windings or permanent magnets. The rotor consists of a series of coils connected to a rotating commutator. Once set in rotation, the latter generates two opposing magnetic forces with the stator, the interaction of which creates the electromechanical energy that sets the motor in motion.
Electric cars have many advantages over petrol-powered cars
Using an electric car means making a choiceEnvironmentally conscious driving. Because you don’t have to fill up with petrol or diesel before you move. In this way you significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as:
- carbon dioxide (CO2),
- Methane (CH4) and
- Nitrous oxide (N2O).
In addition to this advantage, the use of an electric vehicle is a very economical option. In fact, the cost of electricity is much lower than that of petrol or diesel. In addition, maintenance and repair costs are very affordable because electric cars consist of few parts. compared to the thermal model. For example, they do not require maintenance such as draining or changing the fuel filter.
In addition, electric vehicles are easier to drive because the vast majority of them are not equipped with a gearbox. It is the perfect option for young drivers and seniors looking for maximum comfort at the wheel.
How to choose from the multitude of electric cars available on the market?
Buying a vehicle is not random, several criteria should guide your choice. To find the electric car that suits you best, the criteria remain almost the same as for a conventional vehicle:
- the model: SUV, city car, sedan, coupe, station wagon,
- Comfort,
- the color,
- the options.
Everything depends on your tastes, but above all on your actual mobility needs. To do this, it is important to pay attention to two specific parameters: the autonomy and the charging time. Range refers to the distance your car can travel before it completely discharges. It must therefore adapt to your driving habits. If you usually surf less hundred kilometers a day and you have a charging station at home, to fill up every evening, a model with a range of 300 km is quite sufficient.
EV charging speeds can vary greatly from car to car. It can cause a lot of trouble if it stops or isn’t fast enough. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to opt for a model whose loading time is fast, even ultra-fast.
In addition, the price can also be a decisive factor opt for an electric car. It generally depends on the model, brand and options. Prices can range from around 20,000 euros for entry-level vehicles to over 100,000 euros for high-end models.