An electric car (EV or electric vehicle) works by using electricity stored in a battery to power an electric motor, which drives the wheels. It does not use petrol or diesel, and it has no internal combustion engine like conventional cars. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
π 1. Battery Pack (Energy Storage)
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The battery is the heart of an electric car.
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It's usually a lithium-ion battery, like in smartphones but much larger.
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It stores direct current (DC) electricity.
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Capacity is measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours), which tells how far the car can go before needing a recharge.
⚡ 2. Power Electronics (Inverter & Controller)
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The battery gives DC power.
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An inverter changes DC to alternating current (AC) if the motor is AC.
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A controller regulates how much power goes to the motor based on how hard you press the accelerator.
π 3. Electric Motor
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The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion).
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Unlike combustion engines, electric motors provide instant torque for quick acceleration.
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Common motor types: AC induction, permanent magnet, or brushless DC motor.
⚙️ 4. Transmission (Simple Drive System)
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Most EVs have a single-speed transmission—much simpler than multi-gear systems in fuel cars.
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No clutch, no gear shifting. This makes driving smoother and maintenance easier.
π 5. Wheels Move
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The motor turns the wheels directly or through a gear system.
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When you press the accelerator, the car moves silently and smoothly.
π 6. Regenerative Braking
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When you brake or slow down, the motor works in reverse.
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This sends energy back to the battery, helping recharge it a little and improving efficiency.
π 7. Charging
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Plug the car into a charging station or home charger.
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There are three levels of charging:
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Level 1: Slow (ordinary socket)
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Level 2: Medium (home/office charger)
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Level 3: Fast (public charging stations)
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π Summary Diagram
Battery → Inverter → Motor → Transmission → Wheels
↑ ↓
Regenerative Braking Accelerator Pedal
⚙️ Advantages
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Zero emissions
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Low running cost
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Less maintenance (no oil, fewer moving parts)
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Smooth and quiet
π Example: Tesla Model 3
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Battery: 60–80 kWh
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Range: ~400–500 km per charge
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0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds (for performance version)