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Tazzari preview new ZERO
The count-down to launch of a new all-electric city car, designed and developed in Italy, has begun... more
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Contact details and location map for a selection of the main electric vehicle dealers across the UK
The Electric Vehicle Guide
Basics | Benefits | Recharging | Bikes | Scooters | Cars & Vans
Welcome
Welcome to NewRide's EV Guide which covers the essentials of how electric vehicles work, their benefits, how they are recharged and how they compare with conventional vehicles. Click on the relevant link for either a general overview, or for information specific to electric assist bikes, electric scooters or electric cars and vans.
EV basics
Battery electric vehicles are fuelled using electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery, which can be recharged by connecting it to an electricity supply (usually the 'mains'). When required, energy is drawn from the battery and converted to motive power by the use of an electric motor. The power supplied to the motor is regulated by an on-board controller. Some models also use regenerative braking, which tops up the battery when the brakes are applied.
An electric battery is constructed from stacking individual electro-chemical 'cells', each of which produces a voltage (typically 1-2V) that is the result of a chemical reaction within the cell. The lead-acid (Pb-Acid) battery remains one of the most widely used traction batteries. Although newer battery types can store more energy (per kg), lead-acid cells have the advantages of proven reliability and an extensive maintenance support network as they have been used for a long time and are used by conventional cars.
However, lead-acid batteries are now being superseded in commercial electric vehicles by new battery types. The latest generation of rechargeable traction batteries includes nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Poly) cells. Although these typically cost more than lead-acid cells, these provide a significant improvement in vehicle performance and range. (Note that nickel cadmium Ni-Cad cells are now not permitted for general use within the EU.)
Whereas first generation EVs tended to use direct current (dc) motors, the latest designs tend to convert the direct current to alternating current (ac) using an inverter, which then drives an induction motor. These have increased efficiency, a higher specific power (per kg) and require less maintenance. However, the disadvantages include higher costs and increased complexity of the controller, which needs to both act as an inverter and regulate the motor's speed.
