The control strategies for the regenerative brakes on most current EVs are rudimentary. That’s set to change as more sophisticated techniques are developed. There is much more to regenerative braking in electric vehicles (EVs) than simply ‘hitting … [Read more...]
How do Level 3 and wireless charging standards help reduce EV range anxiety?
Level 3, DC fast charging, is expected to help reduce range anxiety by speeding the EV charging process. However, fast DC chargers are expensive and can be challenging to connect to the grid. That’s expected to slow their widespread use. On the other … [Read more...]
How do 12V and HV systems and grounding work in an EV?
The 12 V systems and high-voltage (HV) systems in an EV have different isolation and grounding requirements. They work together sometimes but must be galvanically isolated to ensure safe and reliable operation. In addition, the Federal Motor Vehicle … [Read more...]
What are the choices for regenerative energy capture in EVs?
Regenerative energy capture, or regenerative braking, also called a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), in an EV can be implemented in several ways. And it works differently on different classes of vehicles. This FAQ looks at some options for … [Read more...]
What are EV charging levels, types, and modes?
Levels, types, and modes categorize EV chargers. The level indicates the maximum power the charger can deliver; the type describes the vehicle interface plug, and the mode represents how the charger connects to the grid. This FAQ reviews the … [Read more...]
What plating options are available for high-power connectors?
Plating options are numerous and tend to fall into four categories: noble metals, passive metals, alloys, and dispersions. The first three categories are well established, while dispersions are just beginning to appear in response to the need for … [Read more...]
How does an HVAC system work in a pure EV?
One of the main differences between heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) is their power source. That difference results in several differences in implementation … [Read more...]
What are contactless connectors used for?
Contactless connectivity is an emerging technology. A few initial applications for contactless connectors include USB SuperSpeed, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and single-pair Ethernet (SPE). Contactless connectors are … [Read more...]
What are the challenges in designing V2X and radar antenna connectors?
Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity and automotive radar are important technologies required to support higher levels of autonomous operation. Antennas are critical components in both types of systems, and the connectors needed with the antennas … [Read more...]
What types of connectors are used on autonomous vehicles?
Connectors on autonomous vehicles can be classified by their mechanical characteristics and their electrical capabilities. Numerous types of connectors are needed when designing autonomous vehicles. This FAQ begins by looking at connectors' … [Read more...]
What connectors are used for single-pair Ethernet and PoDL?
Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and power over data lines (PoDL) enable data transmission and power over a single pair of wires. SPE was developed to bring the benefits of Ethernet connectivity to the factory floor for sensors, actuators, Industrial … [Read more...]
How do liquid metal batteries fit in EV and BESS designs?
Liquid metal batteries are being developed primarily for battery energy storage system (BESS) systems but may find future applications in electric vehicles (EVs) and wearables and portable devices. The first commercial BESS using a liquid metal … [Read more...]
How does ambient temperature affect EV batteries?
There’s an optimal temperature range for Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). It lies between about 15° and 35° C. Outside of this range, performance suffers when charging and discharging the batteries. The major requirements for rechargeable … [Read more...]
How does a 12 V system differ between EVs and ICE vehicles?
The 12 V systems in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot in common, but the differences make them interesting from an engineering perspective. This FAQ reviews the similarities and differences between the … [Read more...]
Can non-Tesla vehicles use Tesla chargers and vice-versa?
Increasingly, the answer to both questions in the headline is a qualified “yes.” But this was not always the case. This FAQ will review ongoing developments enabling non-Tesla vehicles to use Tesla Superchargers and look at how Tesla drivers can use … [Read more...]
How does an EVSE work?
Before discussing how electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) works, it’s necessary to define EVSE. According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), EVSEs are: “Commonly called charging stations or charging docks; they provide … [Read more...]
What comprises an EV powertrain?
An EV powertrain includes a battery pack, motor drive controller and power electronics, traction motor, and more. But that description only applies to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). For mild and strong hybrid vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid … [Read more...]
What are the challenges with high-voltage EV charging?
With existing battery technologies, higher voltages are the key to faster charging and reduced range anxiety. Current fast charging stations can deliver up to 600 Vdc and 400 A for a total power of 240 kW and charge an EV battery pack up to 80% in … [Read more...]
What is bidirectional power transfer?
Bidirectional power transfer (BPT) is a key technology enabling efficient and cost-effective electric vehicles (EVs). Simply put, BPT allows electrical energy to flow in both directions through a power converter. Energy recycling is the primary … [Read more...]
What role do wide bandgap semiconductors play in EVs?
Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are used for a variety of applications in EVs. Weight and size are even more important in EVs than in conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. SiC and … [Read more...]
How does digital isolation contribute to sustainability?
In general, digital isolation can be implemented using capacitive, giant magneto restrictive (GMR), and magnetic technologies. The digitally isolated gate drivers used to drive silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices plus silicon … [Read more...]
What is the difference between AC and DC EV charging?
EV charging is highly standardized, and the standards are primarily focused on safety and connectivity. The standards between regions. One common thread is the availability of separate standards for AC and DC charging. This FAQ reviews the basic … [Read more...]
How does MBSE work for EV and battery storage systems?
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is comprehensive. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) defines MBSE as the “formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation … [Read more...]
What’s a digitally isolated transceiver?
Digitally isolated transceivers are available for industrial applications, electric vehicles, satellites, communications, data processing, and medical systems. They are available for specific protocols like control area network (CAN), RS485, RS422, … [Read more...]
Li-ion batteries, Part 5: Electrolytes
The electrolyte is often an underappreciated component in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They simply provide an electrical path between the anode and cathode that supports current (actually, ion) flow. But electrolytes are a key to battery … [Read more...]