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A Guide to EV Powertrains: Their Components, Types, and Future




The automotive industry has been working to "green up" its vehicles. Learn about the types, components and future potential of EVs.

What is a EV Powertrain ?

It is the set of components that converts electrical energy, stored in the vehicle battery or energy-storage system, into mechanical power. An electric vehicle's powertrain is its heart and soul. By replacing internal combustion engines, which emit harmful emissions, with an electric drive system it provides a more clean and efficient mode of transport.

In general, an electric car consists three major components: The motor, the electronics, and finally the battery. Together these components provide a clean and efficient way to drive an electric car, while reducing the dependence on traditional internal-combustion engines.

The Components and Powertrain of an EV

You will find below a list of the major components in an electric vehicle powertrain.

  • Multi-Purpose Battery: The main system used to store energy for an EV. It provides power to the vehicle by storing electrical energy.
  • Motors Motors transform electrical energy in the battery and convert it into mechanical force that powers the wheels. Electric vehicles may have up to three electric motors. These are renowned for their high efficiency and quick torque.
  • Power Electronics Power Electronics components like converters or inverters manage and regulate the flow and energy of the electrical power between the batteries and motors. They change the direct-current (DC) generated by the battery into the alternating-current (AC) that can be used to control motor speed and torque.
  • The transmission (in some situations): Due to electric motors' wide torque range, many electric vehicle use single-speed. EVs are often equipped with multi-speed automatic transmissions for maximum efficiency. EVs, in general do not use the gearboxes found in traditional vehicles.
  • Thermal Management: This system controls and regulates the temperature in the motor, battery, and other components of an EV to ensure its optimal performance. This is essential for safety, efficiency and to keep the vehicle running smoothly.

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Electrical Vehicle Powertrain Types

EV powertrains are divided into several distinct types. They all have their unique advantages and features. EV powertrains come in several different types. Each has its own characteristics and advantages.

Electric Vehicle

  • A battery-electric vehicle is an all-electric car which relies on its large, powerful battery pack for power storage and to drive the electric motor. There is no internal combustion (ICE) engine, and the tailpipe emits zero pollutants.
  • Batteries of BEVs can be charged at electric stations.
  • Models of interest: Tesla Model 3 Nissan Leaf Chevrolet Bolt

Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

  • The plug-in hybrids contain both an engine with internal combustion and an electric motor. It can operate on its own electric motor for only a small distance, before switching back to the petrol engine.
  • You can recharge plug-in vehicles with electricity or gasoline.
  • Toyota Prius Prime and Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

  • These hybrid electric vehicles combine an internal-combustion engine (usually gasoline) with an electronic motor. But they can't be charged externally. The electric engine assists the combustion engine, and it captures energy through braking in order to increase fuel efficiency.
  • All hybrids have a certain amount of engine power.
  • Toyota Prius or Honda Insight

Extended Range electric Vehicle (EREV).

  • These vehicles feature a larger battery pack and are designed for a higher priority on driving electric. They are similar in design to hybrid plug-in vehicles. A larger battery can usually cover a more extensive range on just electric before a petrol engine is needed.
  • The engine could act as an electric generator, thus extending range for driving on electricity.
  • The Chevrolet Volt (discontinued), was an EREV.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

  • Fuel cell electric cars use hydrogen to generate electricity in fuel cells through a chemcial process. A motor is powered by an electric generator from the generated electricity.
  • Fuel cell electric vehicles have shorter ranges, emitting only water vapor.
  • Toyota Mirai (left) and Hyundai Nexo (right).

How does an electric powertrain function?




Instead of using an internal engine powered by petrol or Diesel, electric vehicle powertrains use electricity. A basic electric powertrain principle involves the conversion electrical energy into mechanical, which is then used to generate kinetic and forward motion.

You will find a complete explanation below of an electric powertrain.

  • Battery Pack: A battery pack is an electric car's powertrain that consists of a combination of several individual lithium ion cells. These cells contain electrical energy stored in chemical form. The capacity of a battery pack can be measured in kilowatts, which is used to calculate how far an EV travels on a charge.
  • Energy Conversion. The power electronics within the EV transform the electrical energy (DC) stored in the battery and convert it into AC (alternating voltage) that the motor can utilize. This conversion allows for the electric engine to produce mechanical energy and move the vehicle forward.
  • Capturing, Transmitting and EV Energy. Electrical energy is generated from an electric motor, then passed through a generator. A generator converts electricity to a format that can be utilized by the vehicles system. In some cases it can be used to charge the 12V battery for accessories or power up the vehicle's internal systems.
  • : Regenerative braking converts kinetic or mechanical energy into electrical power during deceleration. Using the energy, it is then fed into the battery to increase energy efficiency.
  • Monitoring. The control systems, such as drive units, continuously monitor, adjust, and measure various parameters.

Now that we know the inner workings of an EV, let's take a look at its positives and negatives.

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Difference between the Powertrains of an Electric Vehicle (EV) and a Conventional Engined Vehicle (ICE)



It is the powertrain that most cars use. It works by burning an air-fuel mixture within the engine cylinders in order to create controlled explosives. These explosions are converted into mechanical power that's transmitted to a variety of parts (pistons, crankshafts etc.). This mechanical energy turns the wheels. ICE-powered vehicles have a standard multi-speed drivetrain to deliver power efficiently to their wheels.

ICE vehicles, which have been the predominant mode of transportation in Europe for nearly a century now, are responsible for several issues, such as emissions, pollution, or a dependence upon fossil fuels. Electric Vehicles' (EVs) cleaner and energy-efficient operation has led to a move towards them.

Table 1 below shows the differences between ICEs and EVs.

Aspect Electric Vehicle Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle
Primary Energy Source Electricity Petrol or Diesel
Key Component Electric Motor Engine (combustion engine)
Energy Conversion Electrical currents to Kinetic Energy Combustion is the burning of fuel
Acceleration The torque is instant and the acceleration smooth Fast acceleration with high RPM
A single-speed or non-transmission transmission Multi-speed gearbox
There are fewer parts to maintain. The more moving parts in your vehicle, the greater need for regular oil change
Efficiency The typical higher efficiency ranges from 80-90 percent Most often lower efficiency (20-30%)
Range The battery's capacity determines the range. Per tank fuel range is limited
Environmental Impact The energy source can affect the carbon footprint. Emissions of fossil fuels

Advantages & Disadvantages Of An EV Powertrain

Electric powertrains (EVs), compared to internal combustion engines, offer several benefits. The advantages of EVs can vary based on driving habits and preferences. They also depend upon the infrastructure of a region and its EV-technology. As the technology progresses and infrastructure is improved, some of these disadvantages might become less notable over time.

Electric Vehicle Powertrain Advantages

The following are a number of advantages of EV-powered vehicles.

  • Null Emission. Perhaps an electric vehicle's (EV) most significant advantage is that it has a minimal environmental impact. Since EVs run on electric motors or batteries that emit few pollutants, the tailpipe emission is zero.
  • Power Efficiency : Electric motors convert about 80% of electrical energy in the battery and use it to turn the wheels. In contrast, internal-combustion engines (ICEs), which lose a substantial amount of their energy through heat, are far less efficient.
  • Instant Torque The motors of electric vehicles provide an instant torque that allows for rapid acceleration. This improves driving in cities and sports EVs.
  • Lower maintenance costs EVs contain fewer moving pieces than ICE vehicles. The regenerative brake system reduces wear on the brakes and eliminates oil changes.
  • Noise Pollution Reduced:EV powertrains offer a quieter ride and are smoother thanks to the refined electric motors. A reduction in urban noise pollution is a positive step towards a cleaner, quieter environment.
  • Braking Regenerative The regenerative feature of an EV is. If the driver applies or removes their brake pedals, then the electric motors act as generators and convert some kinetic energy to electrical energy. This improves the efficiency of a vehicle, as well as its driving range.

Disadvantages to an EV Powertrain

In spite of their popularity, electric powertrains do not come without some limitations.

  • Low Range : Despite ongoing improvements to EV battery technology, many EVs continue to have a low driving range compared ICE vehicles. For long trips, frequent stops may be required to charge the batteries.
  • The Charging Time is longer for an electric car than a diesel or gasoline-powered vehicle. It may take 30 minutes or several hours to completely charge an EV depending on the charger and battery.
  • Front Cost : EVs usually have a larger upfront cost than ICEs due to higher prices for the components of the electric drivetrain, like the battery pack and the motor. This difference in cost is decreasing however as economies of scale and technology advancements are realized.
  • Energy Efficiency. EVs are typically heavier than conventional vehicles because of their electric motors and battery packs. Weight can have a significant impact on the overall performance and handling, as well as energy efficiency.
  • The Battery Degradation. Over time EV batteries degrade and can result in a reduced performance. Batteries may be more expensive to replace, even as the technology advances.

See our blog for the advantages and disadvantages of electric automobiles!

Future of EV Powertrain

Powertrains for electric vehicles are a bright future. These powertrains will shape transportation and the entire automotive industry. Electric vehicle (EV) powertrains are expected to evolve at a faster pace as technology and transportation demand continue to grow.

These are the main aspects of future EV powertrains.

  • Improved Batteries Technology- Battery technology has been at forefront of EV developments. Energy density, charging rate, and price reduction will continue to improve in the future. A significant research area is solid-state technology. These batteries promise greater energy density, faster charge times and longer battery life.
  • Extended Range EVs have the potential to achieve even greater driving distances as battery technology continues to improve. It will also reduce the anxiety of consumers about EV range, increasing their appeal.
  • Electric Motor Innovations Electric Motors have become smaller, more efficient and lighter. Improvements to motor technology are expected to improve vehicle efficiency and performance. EVs also will use dual-motors or multimotors to enhance performance and provide all-wheel drive.
  • Wireles Charging will increase in popularity, giving EV owners the ability to recharge their vehicles wirelessly. This added convenience will increase the number of EVs.
  • Model Diversification. The future holds a wide range of electric cars and vehicles. These include SUVs electric, trucks electric, as well as luxury electric and sports car electric. This diversification will appeal to different market sectors and consumer preferences.

Take a look at these Electric Vehicle Interview Questions and Answers to ensure you succeed.

This cutting-edge technology offers numerous benefits including efficiency, eco-friendliness, and high performance. Globally, the popularity of electric cars is growing as technology advances. The research will lead to even more advanced EV powertrains that are cleaner, lighter, and quieter.

Our role in the future of transportation is to shape it as consumers, legislators, and innovators. In order to make the world cleaner, greener and more sustainable, we must embrace electric vehicles.


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