What type of motor is used in electric vehicles

Which Motor is Used in Electric Vehicles?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the future revolutionized automotive industry by offering a cleaner and more ecologically responsible electric alternative to the gas- or oil-based internal combustion engine option. The critical element in an EV is the electric motor, which transforms electric power into mechanical power that propels the Sulfur Cove. A well-researched report by IDTechEx published a new study on the global market for electric motors, where it estimated that between 2022 and 2034, there would be a CAGR of 7.6%, with significant growth in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Even the Vehicle Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy supports research and development to improve motor quality, which will also be used for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles. These vehicles reduce petroleum consumption, but if they use engine-driven generators, then they only provide performance at the cost of emissions. Types of motors used in electric vehicles, the way they work, the advantages and disadvantages, etc., will be discussed in detail here.

Which Motor is Used in Electric Vehicles

What types of Motors are used in Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles are changing how humans drive, and they have less waste when driven on the road as they tend to be more nature-friendly. The critical element is an electric motor, a unit aimed to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy required to move. Because electric vehicle engines are developing and expanding, knowing more about their technical specifications and differences is essential. So, the VTO’s mission is to reduce electric motor cost, volume, and weight while maintaining or improving electric vehicles’ performance, efficiency, and reliability. For the research to reach the 2022 target cost, the cost of motors must be reduced by 50%; it was the VTO’s last projection. To ensure this happens, VTO focuses on reducing the use of rare earth materials in permanent magnet-based motors.

1. Brushless DC Motors (BLDC):

Among EV’s most popular electric motor types are Brushless DC motors, electronically commutated DC motors, and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors. The advantages of BLCD motors include a high power-to-weight ratio and excellent speed control, which makes them a suitable option for smaller EVs and even two-wheelers since they can quickly adapt to the compact size and maintain effectiveness. The neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are high-performance magnetic materials, significantly improve motor efficiency.

Other advantages of this electric motor include high efficiency, low maintenance requirement, good heat dissipation, and others. The disadvantages of the BLDC type include higher prices than others because using permanent magnets requires complex control systems.

Brushless DC Motors

2. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)

PMSM motors are similar to BLDC motors. It usually has higher efficiency and power-dense characteristics. Instead of using current coils, PMSMs utilize permanent magnets. Unlike BLDC, these motors have a more complex structure.

PMSM motors have a sinusoidal back electromotive force and are thus smoother than other types of electric motors. However, using scarce magnets in this type of engine makes it more expensive than other forms. PMSM motors are also more power-dense and provide more precise control.

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

3. Induction Motors (IM):

Induction Motors, or asynchronous motors, have been used in various industrial and consumer applications for decades. These motors have several advantages, including rugged construction, reliability, and lower cost, compared to BLDC and PMSM. Induction motors work based on electromagnetic induction and do not contain permanent magnets. An induction motor is a crucial part of numerous larger EVs, where the motor’s cost and ruggedness properties yield even more benefits.

Key advantages: 

a)  Rugged construction b) High reliability c) Lower cost d) Applicability in harsh environments

Key Disadvantages:

a) Lower efficiency compared to BLDC and PMSM b) The need for more sophisticated control.

Induction Motors

4. Switched Reluctance Motors:

Switched reluctance motors are gaining popularity among EV manufacturers for their simple, rugged construction and absence of permanent magnets. This engine type works with a toothed rotor and stator; coil windings are placed around each stator’s teeth. Energizing the coils in a specific pattern creates the essential reluctance that makes the rotor deviate toward the stator’s teeth, generating torque. SRMs do not entail using permanent magnets, reducing costs, and solving availability issues related to rare earth elements. Additional advantages include good operational efficiency at various speeds and a fault-tolerant design. However, higher vibration characteristics can make these motors noisier and less stable.

Key advantages: 

a) Simple, rugged construction. b) No need for permanent magnets c) High-speed capability. d) Simple fault tolerance.

Key Disadvantages: 

a) Low torque density, b) Noise and vibrations.

5. Synchronous Reluctance Motors:

This is the first type of reluctance motor that combines the best qualities of both permanent magnet and inductor types. These motors have a rotor design that does not involve magnets, operating solely on the reform principle. SynRMs are suitable for their efficient use and lack expensive or environmentally hazardous materials. These motors are getting more attention because they compromise between customer demand and stakes.

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