The transportation industry accounts for a significant part of the greenhouse gas. Several experts and government authorities think that the adoption of EVs is the best strategy to minimize carbon emissions. A few years ago, only a small percentage of automobile sales constituted EVs. But, have modern consumers suddenly shifted their focus on EVs? Or, was it the EV, which got better? It cannot be denied that there are some modifications to consumer preferences. However, the truth is that technological advancement is the biggest drive in the EV industry. Let us know about the most popular EV technologies.
What are the latest EV technologies?
Solid-state batteries
It is common to use lithium-ion batteries for electronic items. However, solid-state batteries benefit you with their performance and costs. The size and shape of solid and liquid electrolyte batteries may not be the same. They have no volatile liquids that can cause leakage. Some solid-state batteries are smaller than lithium-ion batteries. There is also a mass production of solid-state batteries, which use sulfide electrolytes. However, one demerit is that repeated charging and discharging cycles may cause the formation of cracks.
Electric motors
Electric motors have undergone several improvements-
- Reduced installation space
- Optimized cooling concepts
- Better controllability
- Higher power density
Reduction in dependence on rare metals is another factor behind the popularity of EVs with electric motors. Innovations facilitate technologies like power electronics and thermal management.
The vehicle’s structural size should not affect the electric motor’s transmission system. Modern EV motors are highly efficient yet have a lightweight design. They should adapt easily to the frequent stopping and climbing. Another emerging configuration in the EV motor is the in-wheel motor. Besides, the Tesla Model 3 and some other vehicles have a SynRM-IPM motor. This type of motor involves using small permanent magnets in some voids of SynRM to benefit from reluctance and magnetic reluctance torque. It also lowers the eddy currents while reducing the risk of overheating magnets.
Regenerative braking
Regenerative brakes reverse the electric motors to drive the vehicle. They function as generators and provide energy back to the electric system to cover a range. The small increase in battery range will increase efficiency in due course when used consistently.
Drivers may trigger regenerative brakes in multiple ways. Some electric and hybrid vehicles come with regenerative brakes. Most cars allow seamless activation. Applying the standard brake pedal using your foot causes friction and regenerative brakes work together. It will ultimately slow down the car. In some cases, the regenerative brakes of EVs work while coasting the car. Known as one-pedal driving, regenerative brakes allow drivers to use them in a particular drive mode.
Battery management system
BMS manages the rechargeable battery’s electronics is the most important factor in keeping the electric vehicle safe. It protects both the battery and the user by ensuring the maintenance of the right operating parameters of the cell.
BMS comes with a battery pack and is linked to an external data bus. This smart battery pack has extra functions and features like fuel gauge integration.
An innovative battery pack deals with its charging system, creates error reports and identifies the device in low-charge condition. It also predicts the longevity of your battery. You will receive details about the cell’s temperature, voltage, and current.
Vehicle-to-grid
V2G or Vehicle-to-grid is a technology enabling the energy to flow back to the energy grid from your EV’s battery. You can also discharge the EV battery based on various signals like nearby energy consumption. The technology also powers bi-directional charging, which allows you to charge your electric vehicle battery’s battery and store the energy. Although the terms V2G and bi-directional charging are used synonymously, they have a slight difference.
The most important factor is that V2G reduces the climatic effects. It allows the energy system to compensate for renewable energy. To manage the climatic issues the mobility and energy sectors will need to deal with electrification, energy efficiency, and decarbonization.
Public charging infrastructure
It is another important factor causing the popularity of EVs. In many countries, including Canada, there is a mass installation of public charging systems for EVs. Strong EV charging infrastructure will allow drivers to go through a long journey without a hassle. For instance, Ionity is a charging station network for EVs across Europe.
The EV Charging Infrastructure 2024 event in Canada will be hosted as one of the conferences for the electric power and automotive industries. It will cause a collaboration of policymakers and charge port developers to focus on the new innovations in electrical infrastructure. However, although the charging technology has significantly evolved, electrical infrastructural development in the country is a slight challenge.
Digital infotainment system
The EV’s infotainment system is important for determining the overall experience for drivers and passengers. However, you will feel amazed at the infotainment system of your EV. The display size will be more interactive. Some EV’s infotainment systems comply with Apple CarPlay.
Similarly, there are Android Autos for Google’s Android users.
EV’s entertainment systems can connect well to your mobile using their software. Thus, there will be unique infotainment systems with the phone pairing. Some electric car information systems are intended for streaming music. Again, some infotainment systems of EVs are connected online, and they are known as Web Enabled versions.
OTA or Over-the-air updates let cars receive the latest software updates. These updates are about the car software improvements and infotainment features.
Conclusion
Vehicles are evolving, and EVs are no exception due to the emergence of new EV technologies. You can research the EV market to learn more about the innovations. EVs have become popular due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness. EVs have started replacing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. However, it will take time to make a transition to the electric models from the traditional ones. EV technologies are dynamic, and you will find improvements in the near future.
