Despite not being widely seen on the streets, electric cars are more than present in Mexico. The truth is that the range of electric vehicles in Mexico is quite broad and today we want you to learn a little more about these zero-emission cars.
At Ulbrinox, we understand how important it is to have timely information when choosing your vehicle. That's why we'll talk about the parts of an electric car and how it works so you can make the best decision.
However... If you want to save on gasoline or diesel and also take care of the planet, you are probably looking for an electric vehicle. Next, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions: What is an electric car? How does it work? And many more…
What is an electric car?
Electric cars are basically those that have an electric motor. This motor is capable of converting the electric energy from the battery into mechanical energy. This helps the vehicle to move forward.
This type of transportation is no longer a thing of the future. And on many occasions, vehicles can have one or more electric motors. This helps the car to be faster or to have a better performance in its rechargeable battery.
Currently, there are millions of vehicles like these circulating around the world. The most interesting thing about this type of vehicle is that its recharge relies on electric current to function, so you can find a charging point wherever the company has determined, you can even charge it at your own home.
What are electric cars made of?
Unlike cars that use fossil fuels, electric cars are made of sheets of aluminum, stainless steel and advanced high-strength and even ultra-strength steels.
The production of cars with these types of materials not only offers more resistant cars, but also more environmentally friendly ones. At Ulbrinox, we are aluminum suppliers and stainless steel suppliers for various industries and applications in the market.
We are a company with over 50 years of experience in the sale of aluminum in Mexico and the world. Because, when you invest in us, we give you the best quality and the best service in each project.
Types of electric cars
The main myth we need to break about electric cars is that they are all the same. In this sense, we can find a wide range of vehicles for sale. However, not all of these vehicles are available to buy in Mexico.
There are three main types of electric cars. First, there are fully electric cars, also called battery electric vehicles (BEV). Secondly, there are plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). And thirdly, there are hybrid electric vehicles (HEV).
That's why each type of car has a unique electric design and key components that can vary according to power, bodywork, and other elements that depend on each manufacturer.
How do electric cars work?
Basically, they are composed of various elements that allow the electric mobility of the vehicle. In addition, there are different types of electric cars in Mexico and the world, so the elements can vary, but these are the most common.
Fully electric cars
These cars do not produce any emissions through the exhaust pipe. That is, they do not generate combustion for the operation of the car. BEVs have a large traction battery. This helps to power the electric motor which is much quieter.
This type of vehicle sells millions of units all over the globe. However, a disadvantage is that if you do not charge the battery of the BEVs, your car will not work. The advantage is that most BEVs have a plug that can even connect to your phone.
The U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, describes the essential components of this type of vehicle for optimal operation:
Auxiliary electric battery. This battery helps to provide electricity so that the other elements or accessories of the vehicle can function.
Charging port. This connects to an external power source and charges the traction battery or batteries.
Condenser. Helps convert high voltage energy into cleaner energy to reach the batteries and thus operate the vehicle's accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.
Electric motor. Essential for the operation of the car and to drive the vehicle's wheels.
Onboard charger. Helps convert the electricity supplied by the charging port. It helps control voltage, current, temperature, and the charging status of the vehicle.
Power controller. Helps manage the electrical flow, controls speed and the torque produced.
Cooling system. Helps regulate temperature for proper operation. It is usually made of aluminum sheets of the alloys, 1100, 3003 and 3004.
Battery pack and electric transmission. Helps transfer the mechanical power that is produced when the electric motor must use traction to drive the car's wheels.
Lightweight body. The body of this type of car requires a weight reduction, which is achieved with martensitic steels, such as MS1300, double phase steels DP1270 and DP790, in addition to aluminum sheets 5182, 6082 and 7075.
Hybrid electric vehicles
The PHEVs have a internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Their batteries that power the electric motor allow operation similar to a fully electric vehicle.
This car can operate with a reduction of energy or charge depletion mode, as the batteries are also charged with regenerative braking and when connected to a charging equipment.
Most PHEVs can travel a certain distance on electricity. Then, they only run on gasoline. This type of car has a combination of engines, one that runs on electricity and another that generates combustion so that the car does not turn off.
It operates with one of these two systems: parallel or series PHEVs. That is, with one it can use a mechanical system to connect the engine, while on the other hand, the electrical system is located in the wheels.
The other simply has an electric motor in the wheels and generates electricity for the engine. Some essential elements of this system are:
Exhaust system: channels gas emissions from the engine exhaust through an exhaust pipe that can be made of aluminum.
Fuel tank: this is a fuel dispenser nozzle that fits into the vehicle's receptacle to fill the tank.
Fuel tank: stores gasoline.
Internal combustion engine: In this configuration, fuel is injected into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, where it combines with air, and the air-fuel mixture is ignited by the spark of a spark plug.
Transmission: The transmissions of the PHEV transfer the mechanical power from the engine and/or the traction electric motor to drive the wheels.
The importance of aluminum for the parts of an electric car
The automotive industry is increasingly facing the challenge of creating incredible designs in the bodywork, while at the same time manufacturing safe, lighter and more resistant cars. For example, electric vehicles must meet structural rigidity requirements.
This is how cars are made affordable enough in the market and can have a reasonable price for consumers. Likewise, their virtues are that they present resistance to oxidation and offer an attraction for the consumer in trend.
This is the main reason why electric cars are a trend all over the world. That's why the demand for advanced steels and aluminum has increased. These can be found in side control panels (present in each vehicle door), seats, structures, bodywork, and much more.
