Regenerative braking is only one of the two ways to capture kinetic energy from a moving EV. Another alternative is kinetic energy recovery (KER). Regenerative braking and KER are suitable for different use cases. In addition, there are multiple ways … [Read more...]
How is HIL testing used for onboard EV chargers?
Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing is a real-time simulation that enables designers to test embedded code for EV chargers without needing the actual system hardware. It speeds development efforts and reduces development costs. This article begins … [Read more...]
How to overcome the test and measurement challenges with WBG devices
The use of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors like SiC and GaN to improve data center, renewable energy, and electric vehicle (EV) powertrain efficiencies and speed up charging times. This requires designers to use new validation testing approaches to … [Read more...]
How is AI being used to improve electric vehicle efficiency?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are all about reducing carbon emissions. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help. This article looks at a few examples like how AI and machine learning (ML) can be used to make context-aware operational recommendations to EV … [Read more...]
How does EV training differ for vehicle technicians?
Training to be an EV service technician is complex and different from the training received by traditional auto mechanics. For example, most of the training for conventional auto mechanics focuses on the drive train, which typically includes over … [Read more...]
How can quantum sensors and batteries improve EV operation?
In the near term, quantum sensors are being developed that can more accurately measure electric vehicle (EV) battery capacity, assess battery safety, and reduce vehicle weight. In the longer term, quantum batteries have been proposed that could … [Read more...]
What are the challenges of simulating and testing V2G modules?
There are multiple challenges associated with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. Of course, they must interface efficiently and safely between the vehicle and the grid without interfering with the grid’s operation. They’re also expected to meet multiple … [Read more...]
What are the purpose and regulatory requirements for AVAS?
An acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS), sometimes referred to as a pedestrian warning system (PWS), is designed to alert vulnerable road users (VRUs) like pedestrians, cyclists, and children to the proximity of nearby electric vehicles (EVs). The … [Read more...]
What are the latest cooling technologies for EV traction motors?
Electric vehicle (EV) traction motors must withstand sustained high power and high-speed operation. Keeping them properly cooled is essential to EV powertrain design and implementation. Several options exist for cooling EV traction motors depending … [Read more...]
How do connectors made with conductive plastics contribute to sustainability?
Basic plastics are electrically insulating, but with the proper additives, they can become conductive. Electrically conductive plastics can be used to replace metal components and improve sustainability in several areas of connector construction. … [Read more...]
What are the design challenges for EV traction motors?
Electric vehicle (EV) traction motors are highly efficient, making designing more efficient ones a daunting challenge. Adding to the challenges, EV traction motors have different performance criteria compared to industrial motors. This article … [Read more...]
What are the software and control challenges when maximizing EV traction drive inverter efficiency?
The challenges involved in maximizing electric vehicle (EV) traction inverter efficiency include using an optimal modulation strategy to maximize the efficiency of the traction motor while minimizing noise vibration harshness (NVH), which negatively … [Read more...]
Why are new techniques needed for testing EV motor efficiency?
New testing techniques are needed for electric vehicle (EV) motors because they're used in different ways than motors in industrial or consumer systems. EV motor efficiency is a critical parameter to ensure maximum driving range, and it’s complex to … [Read more...]
What are the types and uses of position and angle sensors in an EV?
Position and angle sensors are used in several electric vehicle (EV) components, including the traction motor and drivetrain, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) compressor, steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, regenerative braking, accelerator … [Read more...]
What are the uses for lasers in electric vehicles?
Lasers are used in manufacturing and operating electric vehicles (EVs), including for cutting, marking, and welding components in the drivetrain and battery pack and in heads-up displays (HUDs) and LIDAR. This FAQ begins with a review of how lasers … [Read more...]
What are the top considerations when designing AVAS?
Acoustic vehicle alert systems (AVAS) are a required feature for all types of electric vehicles (EVs), including hybrids and hydrogen-powered vehicles. In many instances, E-scooters and motorcycles must also integrate AVAS. These systems are designed … [Read more...]