Did You Know These Facts About Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles operate differently from petrol and diesel automobiles, drawing power from an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine. These vehicles operate without leaving any fossil fuels or carbon emissions for the environment, making them significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles. For this reason, they are being produced in greater quantities by major companies and are increasingly preferred by consumers due to the climate crisis we face. Although electric vehicles are regarded as cutting-edge technology, their history actually dates back much further, to 1835. The first electric vehicle known in history was invented by Thomas Davenport in Vermont, America. This vehicle, a small locomotive, used two electromagnets, a pivot, and a battery. Over the years, developments in these vehicles naturally occurred in proportion to technological advances. However, when Henry Ford began mass production of petrol-powered vehicles in 1908, the electric vehicle market experienced a decline, and due to their higher prices compared to petrol vehicles, electric vehicles ceased to be a preferred product. Today, with the implementation of new energy policies due to the climate crisis, electric vehicles have started to be preferred more frequently. We mentioned earlier that electric vehicles do not produce carbon emissions because they do not operate with internal combustion engines. This is because internal combustion engines operate on petrol, diesel, natural gas, or LPG. These products are petroleum-based, and when they burn, the vehicle gains power. This process causes intense carbon emissions. Besides, electric vehicles produce no carbon emissions. So, how do electric vehicles work? The power required for electric vehicles to operate is provided from electrical energy stored in the battery. In conventional automobiles, the vehicle operates from the energy generated by fuel combustion, and only 25% of the generated energy can be utilized. In electric vehicles, all of the generated energy can be used. Electric vehicles do not require an exhaust either. The reason for this is that the motors in these vehicles function directly as an alternator—that is, an alternating current generator—and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy without requiring another transmission medium. Another piece of information regarding electric vehicles is that when the brake is applied, they store electrical energy. This energy is then stored by the vehicle for later use. These vehicles not only reduce carbon emissions but also operate very quietly, which reduces noise pollution caused by vehicles. One of the biggest questions in the minds of those who want to buy an electric vehicle is how far it can travel and how it charges. Electric vehicles can be charged just like charging a mobile phone. These vehicles, which have lithium-ion batteries, can be charged by plugging them into an outlet that provides alternating current. However, because the charging takes a long time and electrical wiring in homes and similar places has low amperage, charging in these locations is not preferred. It is necessary either to install electrical wiring appropriate for these vehicles or to go to charging centers, which are now found in many places due to their increased usage. How long it takes for electric vehicles to charge after connecting to the power source depends on the electrical wiring. However, modern electric vehicles today can charge themselves to 80% capacity in 30 minutes at charging stations. The distance they can travel continues to increase thanks to new regulations. The distance an electric automobile can travel without charging ranges between 50 and 200 km, with an average of 100 km. Another feature of electric vehicles that differs from what might be expected is their ability to travel at considerable speeds. The record set by an electric vehicle that participated in racing is 8.8 seconds and 230 km. This is equivalent to sports cars. In these vehicles, lighter materials and fewer parts are used simultaneously. The superior properties of composite materials come into play here. Because electric vehicles use fewer parts, they are less costly. At the same time, these vehicles have durability equivalent to normal automobiles. One reason these automobiles are smaller is that distance is inversely proportional to weight. The more compact and lightweight a vehicle is, the better the battery performance. Sometimes batteries can take up as much space as a luggage area depending on the automobile's design.

Composite Battery Cases

When it comes to lightness, composite materials come into play. The fact that composite materials, which are frequently utilized in electric vehicles, are quite light and durable is the reason for their preference. In particular, composite materials are used in the battery cases of these vehicles. Composite materials are used in the batteries of electric vehicles, and their use reduces vehicle weight, enabling the vehicles to save energy. Carbon fiber fabric is also utilized in the production of these batteries.

Composite Chassis

Similarly, lightweight composites can be used in the chassis of electric vehicles, and research is being conducted in this regard. Looking at examples, a saving of 100 kg compared to aluminum can be achieved by using composite materials in vehicles. This has a significant impact on the vehicle's performance.

Composite Wheels

Another research finding related to the use of composites in electric vehicles concerns wheels. Composite materials can be used in the wheels of electric vehicles, and this has an effect on the vehicle's aerodynamic structure. Again, as a result of the study, it was determined that less energy is consumed when composites are used. In a study conducted in 2019, Sakarya University students created an electric vehicle motor using only composite material. The two-seater vehicle, which was produced, can reach speeds of up to 80 km and its batteries can last for 250 km of travel. Likewise, the vehicle is, of course, environmentally friendly. With technological advances and energy sustainability policies, the production of electric vehicles is increasing, and research is being conducted on technologies that will provide benefits. In research conducted in 2019, it was determined that the vast majority of electric vehicles were located in China. Today, they are gradually spreading throughout the world, and the production of electric vehicles by major automotive companies in new models is attracting consumer attention. In the production of these vehicles, composite materials are utilized, and composites are making significant contributions.   Sources https://kompozit.org.tr/tr/elektrikli-araclarin-gelecegi-icin-devbirliktelik/ https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/bilim-teknoloji/cevre-dostu-elektrikliarac-urettiler/1604547 Lightweight Composite Chassis Design and Development for Electric Vehicle Applications - Himmet Özarslan, Hakan Yavuz, Fatih Darıcık https://www.kordsa.com/tr/medya-merkezi/detay/kordsa-elektrikli-araclarin-bataryalarini-hafifletiyor/335/2073/0 https://ev.hedeffilo.com/elektrikli-arac-tarihcesi https://www.turkchem.net/elektrikli-otomobillerde-kompozitjant-kapagi-kullaniminin-aerodinamik-etkisi-2.html   Compiled by: Nilsu Kotil