Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) typically incorporates air or liquid cooling systems to prevent overheating and maintain charging efficiency. This article explores the thermal challenges of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the strategies … [Read more...]
How is lightweighting affecting EV component design?
Automotive manufacturers use a combination of advanced materials and innovative design techniques to reduce the weight of electric vehicles (EVs). Known as lightweighting, the process is crucial in optimizing EV performance, efficiency, and range. … [Read more...]
How do EVs reduce noise, vibration, and harshness?
Reducing the effects of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is a top priority for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. Indeed, all critical EV systems, including electric motors and regenerative brakes, produce various forms of NVH as functional … [Read more...]
What are solid-state batteries, and how do they differ from current EV batteries?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery traction packs power most electric vehicles (EVs) on the road today. These batteries enable electric motors to efficiently generate the high torque required for rapid acceleration and consistent speeds. Although Li-ion … [Read more...]
What is smart energy management for EVs?
Electric vehicle (EV) smart energy management encompasses a broad ecosystem, optimizing charging, efficiency, and performance. This article reviews the ecosystem’s key segments, from electric chargers and power grids to primary EV systems such … [Read more...]
What are the benefits and challenges of electric semi-trucks?
Accountable for 18% to 25% of all US vehicle emissions, diesel semi-trucks are linked to many serious health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease. Although electric semis eliminate these harmful emissions, automotive manufacturers must … [Read more...]
What is the EV battery supply chain?
The electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain is vast and complex, spanning mining and processing to assembly and end-of-life management. This article reviews the supply chain’s four primary stages: upstream, midstream, downstream, and recycling or … [Read more...]
What role do connectors play in EV VCUs?
A vehicle control unit (VCU) coordinates and manages operations across key electric vehicle (EV) systems. This article reviews primary VCU functions, explores its core physical architecture and protocols, and highlights connectors' crucial role in … [Read more...]
Are solar-powered EVs the future?
Powered directly by the sun, electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with solar panels offer the promise of a cleaner, greener zero-emissions future. Effectively integrating solar panels, however, has proven difficult for many automotive companies. This … [Read more...]
How does the EV driving experience differ from an ICE vehicle?
There are many differences between electric vehicles (EVs) and cars with internal combustion engines (ICE). The driving experience, however, is often overlooked when comparing the two. This article reviews key benefits offered by EVs, from rapid … [Read more...]
How does hot weather affect electric vehicles?
Hot weather significantly affects the range, efficiency, and performance of electric vehicles (EVs). This article discusses how high temperatures impact batteries, tires, and cooling systems. It also compares the performance of popular EV models in … [Read more...]
What is an onboard EV charger?
Electric vehicle (EV) onboard chargers (OBCs) convert alternating current (ac) into direct current (dc) for lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery traction packs. This article explains why Li-ion batteries require dc and highlights how OBCs safely and … [Read more...]
Myths vs. facts: How EVs operate in the rain and snow
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to safely operate in rain, sleet, and snow. This article explains why hydroplaning risks are significantly lower for EV drivers and explores how crucial vehicle components, including batteries and electric motors, … [Read more...]
How do air and liquid cooling compare in EV chargers and cyclers?
Air and liquid cooling are the two most common methods to dissipate excess heat generated in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and EV battery cyclers. This article discusses the importance of effective thermal management, highlighting each … [Read more...]
How to protect EVs from malicious hackers and cybercriminals
Many electric vehicles (EVs) are vulnerable to malicious hacking attacks. This article explores key attack vectors such as remote hijacking, compromised EV chargers, and malware injections. It also highlights multiple exploits identified by security … [Read more...]
How do EV battery cell charge and discharge rates compare?
The charge and discharge rates of electric vehicle (EV) battery cells affect the vehicle's range and performance. Measured in C-rates, these crucial variables quantify how quickly batteries charge or discharge relative to their maximum … [Read more...]