How Are Electric Motors Used in Electric Cars?

Did you know that environmentally friendly cars use electric motors rather than gasoline engines to create less pollution? Electric cars are much kinder to the environment and are perfectly suited to use in the city. These cars usually look just like regular cars from the outside but on the inside they are quite different: instead of a gasoline engine with all its exhaust pipes and coolant hoses, there is an electric motor connected to a controller.

Running a car on rechargeable power is not only kinder to the environment; it also makes the car much easier to care for. These motors do not require oil checks, tune-ups or smog checks. These cars get their power, however, from batteries which need to be recharged regularly. One perk of using these motor is that it runs pretty much silently, making for a pleasing change after the loud grumbling of a gasoline engine.

The source of power in these cars is located very close to the wheels and controls the movement the wheel axle directly. When you are driving an environmentally friendly car and press down on the accelerator information is sent to the controller telling it how much energy is need from the battery to power the car. The energy delivered is then converted into usable energy and used to drive the wheel axle. This is done smoothly, instantly and at a high torque. With an environmentally friendly car you can get a high acceleration straight from a standing speed.

The second most important part in a these cars is the controller. The controller is responsible for taking power from the batteries and delivering it to the motor. This process is aided by a pair of potentiometers which measure the force exerted on the accelerator and deliver an appropriate signal to the controller.

A variety of different methods are used to power environmentally friendly cars. AC machines are usually installed in the factory built cars. AC three phase machines are the most suited for use in high performing environmentally friendly cars. They can handle driving through hilly areas well and can maintain reasonably high speeds. AC three phase electric motors are also brushless, making them very durable and suited to heavy duty use. Conversely, DC machines, such as the series wound motor, are often preferred for use in DIY car conversions as they are much easier to install, although they don't offer the same sophistication as AC electric motors.

These electric motors are much useful in home and outside the home also, as we have read in this article. This article posted by me John K. Taylor on behalf Harrington Electric Motors. Harrington Electric Motors is an Australian distributor of Lafert Electric Motors and Servo Motors.

By John K. Taylor