What Are The Electric Cars Called

Alright, let's talk about something that's rapidly changing the automotive landscape: electric cars. More specifically, let's dig into how we *refer* to these vehicles and the key components that make them tick. It's more than just knowing the names of brands and models. Understanding the terminology is crucial if you're even thinking about touching one for maintenance, modification, or simply to understand the technology.

Why Understand Electric Car Nomenclature and Components?

Think of this article as your introduction to electric car anatomy. Why does this matter? Because if you're the type who likes to tinker with your cars, wants to understand preventative maintenance, or even just wants to avoid getting ripped off by a mechanic, you need to know your way around an EV's internals. Knowing the terms, recognizing the components, and grasping how they interact is vital for:

Repairs and Diagnostics: Spotting a failing inverter is a lot easier if you know what an inverter is and what it does.
Modifications: Want to boost performance? Understanding the motor and battery systems is paramount.
Learning and Curiosity: Satisfying your inner engineer by understanding how these machines work.
Avoiding Scams: Being able to talk knowledgeably about your EV helps prevent being overcharged or given unnecessary repairs.

Key Specs and Main Parts: An EV Lexicon

Let's start with some of the core terms you'll encounter when discussing electric vehicles:

The Battery Pack

The heart of the EV. This is where the electrical energy is stored. It's typically made up of numerous individual battery cells, often lithium-ion, configured in series and parallel to achieve the desired voltage and capacity. Key specs include:

Voltage (V): The electrical potential difference, measured in volts. Higher voltage often equates to more power.
Capacity (kWh): Kilowatt-hours. This represents the amount of energy the battery can store. A higher kWh rating means more range.
C-Rate: Indicates how quickly the battery can be charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A higher C-rate means faster charging and potentially higher power output, but also increased stress on the battery.

The Electric Motor

This converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. Common types include:

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM): Highly efficient and often used in modern EVs.
Induction Motor: A simpler, robust design, also commonly used.

Important motor specs:

Power (kW/HP): The maximum power the motor can produce, measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP).
Torque (Nm/lb-ft): The rotational force the motor can generate, measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft). Torque is crucial for acceleration.
RPM: Revolutions per minute. The speed at which the motor rotates.

The Inverter

This is the crucial component that converts the DC (Direct Current) power from the battery into AC (Alternating Current) power needed to drive the motor. It also controls the frequency of the AC power, which dictates the motor's speed. Key specs:

Voltage Rating: The maximum voltage the inverter can handle.
Current Rating: The maximum current the inverter can handle.
Switching Frequency: How quickly the inverter can switch between DC and AC, influencing motor efficiency and performance.

The On-Board Charger (OBC)

This is responsible for converting AC power from a charging station into DC power to recharge the battery. It's integrated into the vehicle. Specs to look for:

Charging Power (kW): The rate at which the OBC can charge the battery. Higher kW means faster charging.
Input Voltage: The AC voltage the OBC can accept (e.g., 120V or 240V).

The DC-DC Converter

This converts the high-voltage DC power from the battery to a lower voltage (typically 12V) to power the car's accessory systems, such as lights, infotainment, and other electronics. It's like a miniature power supply within the EV.

The Battery Management System (BMS)

A critical system that monitors and manages the battery pack. Its functions include:

Cell Balancing: Ensuring all cells in the battery pack are at a similar state of charge.
Temperature Monitoring: Preventing overheating or overcooling of the battery.
Voltage Monitoring: Protecting against overcharging or over-discharging.
State of Charge (SOC) Estimation: Determining the remaining battery capacity.
State of Health (SOH) Estimation: Assessing the overall health and lifespan of the battery.

How It Works: A Simplified Flow

The basic flow of energy in an EV is as follows:

Energy is stored in the Battery Pack.
When the driver presses the accelerator, the Battery Management System (BMS) signals the Inverter to draw power.
The Inverter converts the DC power from the battery into AC power.
The AC power is fed to the Electric Motor, which spins and drives the wheels.
Regenerative braking reverses this process, using the motor as a generator to recapture energy and send it back to the battery.
When charging, AC power from the charging station is converted to DC power by the On-Board Charger (OBC) and stored in the battery.
The DC-DC Converter steps down the battery voltage to power auxiliary systems.

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting

Let's say your EV isn't charging. Here are some basic checks:

Check the Charging Cable: Make sure it's properly connected to both the car and the charging station. Look for damage to the cable.
Check the Charging Station: Ensure the charging station is powered on and functioning correctly. Try a different charging station if possible.
Check the On-Board Charger (OBC): If the car isn't charging, the OBC might be faulty. This is a more complex issue and likely requires professional diagnosis. However, check for any error codes displayed on the car's dashboard related to the charging system.
Check the Battery Management System (BMS): A malfunctioning BMS can prevent charging. Again, look for error codes.

Another common issue is reduced range. This could be due to:

Battery Degradation: Over time, battery capacity naturally decreases.
Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds consume more energy.
Environmental Factors: Cold weather can significantly reduce battery range.
Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing efficiency.

Safety: High-Voltage Hazards

This is critical: Electric vehicles operate at very high voltages (typically 400V or 800V). These voltages are lethal! Do not attempt to work on any high-voltage components (battery pack, inverter, motor) unless you are properly trained and equipped to do so. Disconnecting the high-voltage battery requires specific procedures and tools. Even after disconnecting the battery, residual voltage can remain in the system.

WARNING: Never assume a system is safe just because the car is turned off. Always follow proper lockout/tagout procedures and consult the vehicle's service manual before working on any electrical components. Shorting high-voltage components can result in arc flashes, explosions, and serious injury or death.

Risky components to avoid touching unless properly trained:

Battery Pack: The most dangerous component due to the high voltage and energy storage.
Inverter: Converts DC to AC at high voltages.
Electric Motor: Carries high-voltage AC power.
High-Voltage Cables: Usually orange in color, these cables carry high-voltage DC power throughout the vehicle.

Always prioritize safety and consult a qualified technician if you're unsure about any procedure.

We have a detailed schematic available for download that provides a more in-depth view of the electrical system in a common EV. This diagram outlines the connections between the various components we've discussed and includes detailed specifications. You can download the file here.