The main difference between a standard vehicle and an electric vehicle is that standard vehicles operate by using an engine where internal combustion takes place i.e, burning of fuels like petrol and diesel . Whereas an electric vehicle operates by using an electric motor. Since the electric vehicle only depends on its motor , the chance of breaking of any mechanical parts is very low ie. In the future, it has a lower replacement cost. Electric cars don’t have engines , so there is no need for fuel. So it is important to choose the best motors and battery pack .
Types of motors
AC motors
This AC motor works under the principle of magnetism . The AC motor comes with a set of wires and with 2 magnets which are placed on both sides of the wires . When electricity is passed in these wires it makes a magnetic field. Due to this effect, the coils in the shaft start to rotate and thus the vehicle starts to move. Ac motors are designed in the way that it is capable of running smoothly even in rough terrains. Ac motors are mostly preferred for high-performing vehicles , because of their regenerative function which acts as generators and helps to supply power to the battery of an electric vehicle.
Types of AC motors
Synchronous motor
As the name suggests this motor runs at synchronous speed without depending on the load of the vehicle. This motor consists of 2 parts Rotor which is a movable part and a Stator which is an immovable part . As with induction motor synchronous motor also creates a magnetic field to run by using the stator. It uses the principle of magnetic interlocking. It is costlier compared with the induction motor having the same input of voltage and output because of the leading and lagging power factor. The synchronous motor is further divided into 2 types as Non-excited and Direct current excited
Induction motor
While comparing with all motors , induction motors are cost-effective ones and have a self-starting motor. The architecture of this motor is simple so that the controls of this motor are easy to use. It doesn’t even require high maintenance. The speed of the induction motor is inversely proportional to the load weight i.e., If load weight increases the speed decreases.
DC Motors
DC motors are capable of having high torque which is suitable for heavy-loaded vehicles. This was early used for tractors for a steady pulling of loads. We are able to control the speed of the vehicle even when there is a sudden increase in speed. Since it has many commutators and brushes the maintenance of DC series motors costs high. The motors which are used in electric trains are the DC brushed motors , where the maintenance cost is lesser than other motors.
Brushless DC Motors
It differs from the DC motors by having permanent magnets . As the name suggests it doesn’t have any brushes or commutator patterns. Brushless Dc Motors has greater specifications like >95% efficiency and high torque and low maintenance since the commutation is done electrically . Due to its traction capacities, it is highly used in electrical vehicles.
Types of BLDC motors
Outrunner & In runner
Outrunner motor , the stator part is placed inside and the motor part is placed outside. This motor has an internal gear system which is inbuilt inside the motors . This structure makes the motor compact and saves more space. Since the mounting of the motor is restricted to a certain limit it doesn’t give much power for operating the vehicle . So , it is preferred for low-weight vehicles like electric cycles, etc.
In the Inrunner motor , the motor is placed inside and the stator part is placed outside as in conventional motors. Due to this outrunner structure and transmission system are required externally to generate power . This configuration makes the motor look bulky compared with Out runner. This motor is best suited for three-wheelers and low performing scooters
