Today, somebody vaguely asked me, pointing at my EV, “Yeh kitte ‘cc’ ki scooty hai (how much CC engine does your scooter have)”. I was confused and shocked at the same time, thinking that “this is the on-ground reality of E-vehicles in India”. People have their baskets full of misconceptions and myths about electric vehicles. So, I decided to make a dedicated blog post on the types of motors used in electric vehicles and how they work.
Motors are like the spine of electric vehicles. It converts the battery’s energy into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle. EVs don’t use the engine, so the CC of any EV doesn’t make any sense.
Types of Motors used in Electric vehicles:
Brushless Direct Current Motor (BLDC)
The BLDC motor is widely used in low-speed E-vehicles due to its high efficiency and power density. It consists of a rotor and a stator, like a traditional DC motor, but without using brushes for commutation. The rotor is made of permanent magnets, while the stator contains windings that generate a rotating magnetic field.
The operation of a BLDC motor is based on the principle of attraction and repulsion between magnetic poles. Hall sensors detect the rotor magnets’ position and provide feedback to the motor controller, which controls the commutation of the stator windings. This precise control allows for efficient and smooth operation of the motor.
Advantage of BLDC:
BLDC motors offer several benefits for electric vehicles.
- They are compact in size
- Have high power density
- Provide precise speed control
- Can offer regenerative braking
These features make BLDC motors suitable for various EVs, including electric scooters, electric bikes, and low-speed electric cars.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
The PMSM is one of the most widely used motor types in fast and powerful E-vehicles. It consists of a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with windings. The permanent magnets on the rotor create a magnetic field that interacts with the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator windings.
PMSM motors can be classified into surface-mounted and interior types based on the placement of the magnets on the rotor. Interior PMSM motors are more robust and suitable for high-speed applications. The operation of a PMSM motor is based on the synchronisation of the rotor and stator magnetic fields, which results in smooth and efficient motor performance.
Advantages:
PMSM motors offer several advantages for electric vehicles.
- They have high power density,
- high efficiency
- Low torque ripple
Quieter operation. PMSM motors are widely used in EVs, such as the Ather 450x, Hero Vida, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV 400. Their excellent performance and reliability make them popular among EV manufacturers.
Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SRM)
The Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SRM) is a cost-effective motor type that does not require permanent magnets on the rotor. Instead, it relies on the principle of magnetic reluctance to generate torque. The rotor of an SRM consists of a simple steel core with salient poles, while the stator contains windings that create a rotating magnetic field.
The operation of an SRM is based on the least magnetic reluctance path principle. The magnetic flux from the stator takes the path of least reluctance, creating poles in the rotor that interlock with the rotating stator magnetic field. However, due to the inertia of the rotor and hysteresis effects, SRM motors require a unique electronic circuit to ensure self-starting.
Advantages:
SRM motors offer several advantages over traditional induction motors.
- They are more efficient,
- Have higher power density
- Do not require permanent magnets
- Cost-effective.
SRM motors are used in high-speed electric vehicles like Tesla and Range Rover EVs. They are also employed in various industrial applications where high-speed performance is required.
Comparison of BLDC, PMSM, and SRM Motors
When choosing a motor for an electric vehicle, it is essential to consider various factors such as efficiency, control mechanism, power density, and maintenance requirements. Here is a comparison of these parameters for BLDC, PMSM, and SRM motors:
Parameter | BLDC Motor | PMSM Motor | SRM Motor |
Efficiency | Highest | High | Moderate |
Control Mechanism | Complex | Moderate | Moderate |
Power Density | Highest | High | Moderate |
Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate | High |
The choice of motor type depends on the specific requirements of the electric vehicle and the desired balance between performance, efficiency, and cost.
Money Saver Tips:
Motors have revolutionised our world and are now reshaping the automobile industry. Today we are witnessing an immense.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their low operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and government incentives. However, buying an electric car can be a significant investment.
In recent years, the concept of leasing electric vehicles has gained traction as a more affordable and flexible option. Instead of purchasing an electric vehicle outright, leasing allows individuals to pay a monthly fee for using the vehicle. This approach eliminates the need for a large upfront payment and provides the opportunity to upgrade to newer models as technology advances.
At Zecat, we offer an end-to-end electric vehicle leasing service, providing customers access to various electric vehicles. Our leasing plans include comprehensive maintenance and support, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our customers. Additionally, we offer a unique “Experience Before Purchase” program, allowing customers to test drive an electric vehicle for a week before deciding.
In conclusion, selecting the correct motor for an electric vehicle is crucial for its performance and efficiency. BLDC, PMSM, and SRM motors are the most commonly used types in electric vehicles, each offering unique advantages. As the electric vehicle industry continues to grow, advancements in motor technology will drive further innovation and improve the overall driving experience.
