An Overview of Electric Vehicle Components for the Aspiring Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Mechanic
Hybrids and EVs are becoming more and more popular, due to the fact that they aren’t reliant on fuel. They’re more environmentally friendly, and while they do tend to be a bit more expensive, they also mean that drivers don’t have to worry about price hikes at the fuel pump anymore. It’s one of the reasons why automakers are putting more and more effort into creating innovative new EVs and hybrids that have even better battery range and other performance specs. From the highly anticipated Audi A6 e-tron to the humble little trailblazing Prius, the world of EVs and hybrids is one filled with all kinds of exciting models and new developments.
But have you ever thought about what makes up an EV? Read on to get a quick look into what parts set these vehicles apart!
You’ll See Many Batteries After Your Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training
The most important part of any EV is its battery. The capacity of the battery determines an EV’s driving range, and the larger the battery capacity, the longer an EV can travel on a single charge. However, you’ll notice automakers facing challenges when it comes to the weight and size of EV batteries after your hybrid and electrical mechanic training. Even though battery capacity affects driving distance, their added weight can affect performance, as they end up using more storage space and weighing down the vehicle. This can also affect energy efficiency. This is why automakers are working hard on finding innovative ways to reduce battery size while increasing their capacity.
The Silent Electric Motor
When you service EVs for your customers when you become a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic, you’ll notice just how silent an EV motor can be. The electric vehicle motor converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, which in turn drives the EV. EV motors don’t make loud noises when starting, giving the driver a quiet start to their ride. The size of the motor also comes into play, as it is smaller in size than the internal combustion engine. This, in turn, gives automakers a little more design space to work with. In addition, an EV’s motor acts like an electric generator, which can store energy when the car is braking.
The Transmission
If you decide to pursue training in EVs and hybrids at ATC, then your training will include taking transmission and drivetrain modules, which will help you see how the transmission functions in hybrids and EVs. In EVs, transmissions are a little different. Unlike the transmission in an internal combustion engine, the transmission in an EV is designed to always reduce the RPM to the relevant and desired level. Hence the name reducer. Why is this the case? It’s all due to the fact that EV motors have higher RPMs than a regular engine. It’s just one more thing that makes EVs a little different from their traditionally-powered counterparts.
Are you interested in a hybrid and electrical mechanic course?
Contact ATC Surrey for more information!
