How Does an Electrical Car Work?

Identification

There are various types of electric cars, also known as plug-in cars. Electric cars are not very common, but soon it may be easier to own one. Several major car companies are hoping to debut new electric vehicles---a mix of all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids---within the next few years. All-electric cars run entirely on electricity, while plug-in hybrids run on electricity and gasoline. Both types of vehicles have power cords, which drivers use to charge the cars.

Major Parts

The major parts of an electric car include an electric motor, battery, generator, controller, special brakes and wheels and a power cord. When the driver gets behind the wheel and starts the vehicle, the first thing he may notice is how quiet the car is. That's because electric cars have fewer internal parts than gas-powered cars.

Function

The electric motor is the car's power source. It supplies the car's electricity. The rechargeable battery stores the energy used to operate the electric motor. That energy is converted into electricity by the generator. The controller kicks into gear when the driver taps the accelerator pedal. It regulates the amount of power the car produces based on how light or heavy the driver taps the pedal. The vehicle's brakes and wheels also aid an electric car in motion. The wheels generate electricity as they spin, and that electricity is sent back to the motor. The brakes can retain some of the energy lost when the car stops or slows down.

When the car is parked, the driver plugs the power cord into an electrical socket to recharge the battery. Most electric cars take a few hours to fully charge. About 20 percent of the battery chargers per hour. Some electric cars can run up to 30 to 40 miles on a fully charged battery.

Plug-in Hybrids

A plug-in hybrid has all the parts an electric car has, plus a gasoline engine and a gas tank. The gasoline components act as a back-up system to the car's electric system. If the car's electrical supply runs low before the driver can recharge the vehicle, the gas engine kicks in to keep the car operating. The gas tank stores the fuel to supply the engine.

Features

Electric cars are built to be environmentally friendly. They don't have spark plugs, a transmission or a muffler, so they do not produce harmful emissions. They require no gas or very little gas, so the vehicles reduce drivers' dependence on oil. The cars are also cheaper to maintain, as they do not need oil changes or tune-ups.