EV Basics
What does “ZEV” stand for, and which vehicles qualify as ZEVs?
Zero Emission Vehicle; BEVs and FCVs qualify.
What law explains how motors convert electricity into motion?
Faraday’s Law of Induction.
What three components make up a battery cell?
Anode, cathode, and electrolyte.
Which U.S. state accounts for about 40% of EVs?
California
What does MPGe stand for?
Miles per gallon equivalent
What are the main reasons we care about EVs?
GHG emissions, local pollution, energy independence, and global competitiveness.
What are the two types of AC motors used in EVs?
Synchronous and Induction motors.
What is SOC and how is it measured?
State of Charge, shown as a % of battery capacity.
What types of incentives help increase EV adoption?
Rebates, tax credits, HOV access, charger subsidies.
How do EVs compare to gas cars in energy efficiency?
EVs: 60–75% efficient; Gas cars: 20–35%.
Which vehicles are considered PHEVs?
Volt, Rav4 Prime, Prius Prime — they have both electric and combustion drivetrains.
What kind of motor does Tesla primarily use?
IPM-SynRM — a type of high-efficiency induction motor.
Which battery chemistry is used by Tesla in many models?
NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide).
Which country leads in EV sales market share?
Norway
What’s unique about Tesla’s EPA range estimates?
They use optional test cycles to reduce range penalty.
What’s the difference between an HEV and a PHEV?
HEVs can’t plug in; PHEVs can and have electric-only driving capability.
What is regenerative braking?
Converts kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration.
What is thermal runaway?
A chain reaction of overheating that can lead to fires.
What was the issue behind the GM Bolt battery recall?
Manufacturing defects like a torn anode tab and folded separator.
What’s the difference between efficacy and efficiency?
Efficiency = energy out/in; Efficacy = service/energy input.
Why are BEVs considered mechanically simpler than ICVs?
They have fewer moving parts and no combustion engine or exhaust system.
What are the three PHEV configurations?
Series, parallel, and series-parallel.
What is a key risk with lithium-metal anodes?
Dendrite formation can short-circuit the battery.
What term describes “renting” a car for a few years to test the tech?
Leasing
What is the “MPG illusion”?
MPG scales non-linearly, making fuel savings misleading.