Fully electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are equipped with an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery to power the electric motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Since it runs on electricity, the vehicle emits no exhaust gases and does not contain typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. Learn more about electric vehicles.
Key Components of a Fully Electric Car
Battery (All-Electric Auxiliary): In an electric drive vehicle, the auxiliary battery provides electricity to power the vehicle’s accessories.
Charge Port: The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply to charge the traction battery.
DC/DC Converter: This device converts the high-voltage DC power from the traction battery into the low-voltage DC power needed to run the vehicle’s accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.
Electric Traction Motor: Using power from the traction battery, this motor drives the vehicle’s wheels. Some vehicles use motor-generators that perform both propulsion and regeneration functions.
Onboard Charger: It takes the incoming alternating current supplied via the charge port and converts it to direct current to charge the traction battery. It also communicates with the charging equipment and monitors battery characteristics such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge while charging the pack.
Power Electronics Controller: This unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it produces.
Thermal System (Cooling): This system maintains a proper operating temperature range for the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components.
Traction Battery: Stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor.
Transmission (Electric): The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to drive the wheels.