In this note, we are going to know about the Electric Vehicle and Evolution of Electric Vehicles. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Engineering Notes for Engineering Students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Electric Vehicle?
An EV is a vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors and runs on electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or another energy storage device. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, which use fossil fuels like petrol or diesel, these kind of vehicles run wholly or partially on electricity.
There are a variety of electric vehicles, including –
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Advantages of EVs –
- EVs reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- EVs can be charged with electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, further lowering their environmental effect.
- Electricity is generally less expensive than petrol or diesel fuel, resulting in decreased fuelling costs for EV owners.
- Electric motors provide maximum torque instantaneously, allowing for smooth and rapid acceleration and a more comfortable driving experience.
- Compared to internal combustion engines, electric motors run quietly, which lessens noise pollution in cities.
Evolution of Electric Vehicles
Over a century, EVs have undergone substantial advancement at several stages –
1. Early Development (19th Century)
The earliest electric car prototypes were made in the 19th century by inventors such as Robert Anderson and Thomas Davenport, who introduced the notion of electric automobiles. Thomas Davenport built a small-scale electric automobile in the United States in 1835, while in the 1830s Robert Anderson built a rudimentary electric carriage in Scotland.
2. Rise and Decline (Early to Mid-20th Century)
Due to its clean and quiet operation, EVs became more and more popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among urban residents. During this time, lead-acid battery performance and range limitations kept electric automobiles from competing with gasoline-powered vehicles. Due to advantages like lower cost, better range, and the availability of petrol infrastructure, the popularity of electric vehicles declined as a result of the mass manufacture of petrol vehicles by firms like Ford.
3. Resurgence (Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century)
In the late 20th century, interest in electric vehicles increased due to worries about climate change, air pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels. The range, efficiency, and affordability of electric vehicles have all increased because to developments in battery technology, most notably the creation of lithium-ion batteries. The EV1, Prius, and Leaf, respectively, were introduced by companies like as General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan, contributing to the popularization of the idea of contemporary electric automobiles.
4. Modern Era (21st Century)
The advancement and uptake of EVs saw a notable increase in the twenty-first century. With the introduction of models like the Roadster, Model S, Model 3, and Model X, which offered longer ranges, faster charging, and higher performance, companies like Tesla played a critical part in advancing the technology of electric vehicles. Globally, governments have instituted policies and guidelines, such as tax breaks, rebates, and pollution controls, to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
The EV market has grown and become more diverse as a result of the entry of other automakers such as Ford, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and VW with their own models. With continuous developments in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle design, the electrification of transportation is still evolving and will eventually lead to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.