Electricity Terms
State the difference between AC and DC current
Alternating current (AC): The electrical standard homes are built on. It allows long runs of cable with less power loss.
Direct current (DC): The electrical standard most modern electronics and EVs are built on. EVs typically need to convert AC power to DC in order to charge their batteries.
What is the purpose of invertors and convertors in electric vehicles?
They are able to convert AC electricity into DC to send to the motor, and then back to AC to send to the wheels.
This component, often composed of lithium-ion cells, serves as the primary energy source for electric vehicles
What is the battery pack
Who should you call if a battery catches on fire?
Who is the fire department
Electric Vehicles reduce greenhouse gasses, the most common being?
Carbon dioxide
State the definition of an Amp
Amps (or amperes) are a measurement of electrical current. This measures how many electrons are passing through a point at a given time. One amp is equal to one coulomb (a unit of electrons) per second. Think of this as the water flow rate in your home plumbing. Amps are calculated by dividing power (wattage) by voltage.
Explain the process of regenerative braking
When decelerating, the kinetic energy from the friction is sent back to the motor which acts as a generator, it then sends the energy back to the battery, extending the vehicles range.
This part, typically an AC induction or permanent magnet motor, is responsible for converting electrical energy into mechanical motion in an EV
What is the electric motor
What is the best conductor for connecting battery cells?
What is copper?
[True/False] Maintenance costs are generally lower on electric vehicles
True: maintenance costs are lower on electric vehicles for various reasons; less parts, no oil changes, brake pads last longer
State the definition of Volts
A measurement of electrical force. It measures the amount of work needed to move an amp of energy between two points. Think of it like water pressure in your home plumbing. Voltage is calculated by dividing power (wattage) by current (amperage). You’ll often see voltage ratings for charging stations. A higher voltage means a higher charging rate for your EV.
What measure of force has a greater output in electric vehicles compared to gas vehicles, allowing electric vehicles to have greater acceleration and towing capacity?
Torque
Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs lack this component, which typically transfers power from the engine to the wheels
What is the transmission?
What safety equipment should you use when working on a battery?
What are safety glasses, and gloves?
Which vehicles came first, gas or electric?
Electric vehicles came first with the first one dating back to 1830.
State the definition of Watts
A measurement of electrical power. One watt is equal to one joule (a unit of work) per second. Wattage is calculated by multiplying voltage by current (amperage). Since watts take into account the force and the flow rate of electricity, it is often the measure of the final electrical output for charging points.
What is the difference between Level 1, 2, and 3 chargers?
Level 1 = Basic charger that comes with electric vehicles, plugs into wall outlet and adds ~5-6m/h
Level 2 = A larger unit that provides a stronger charge to electric vehicles, can be installed in households and adds ~18-30m/h
Level 3 = Also known as fast chargers, used in commercial and industrial settings and adds ~155-186m/h
Often considered the ‘brain’ of the battery, this part monitors individual cell voltages, temperatures, and state of charge to ensure efficient operation.
What is the Battery Management System (BMS)?
Who is responsible for the safe charging of a plugged-in battery?
Who is the owner/person who plugged in the battery?
What happens to the battery at the end of an electric vehicle's life?
They can be recycled and broken back down into the components they are made of
State the definition of Ohms
A measurement of electrical resistance. Resistance determines how well a material conducts electricity. One of the reasons EVs charge more slowly in cold climates is because lower temperatures increase electrical resistance. Battery degradation can also increase resistance. A given wire’s length, thickness, and material have a significant effect on resistance. Ohms are calculated by dividing voltage by current (amperage).
What are two of the common minerals often used in electric vehicle batteries?
Lithium (Li), Nickel (Ni), Magnesium (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe)
Some EVs have this component, usually located between the motor and wheels, to maintain torque and RPM balance without a traditional transmission
What is the reduction gearbox
This phenomenon, a rapid increase in battery temperature, can lead to fires or explosions if not managed correctly
What is thermal runaway?
What is the difference between a Hybrid vehicle and a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle?
Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles can plug into EV chargers and can act as fully electric vehicles for a limited range.