Five Challenges Car Makers Have to Overcome When Making Parts for Electric Vehicles
Although electric cars represent the next frontier of vehicular travel, they were bound to disrupt the century-long automotive industry and the manufacturing practices that have now become procedure. Electric vehicles (“EVs”) are powered by a rechargeable battery, unlike conventional vehicles, which rely on internal combustion engines. But the differences between the two types of vehicles don’t stop there. EVs also require slightly modified vehicle parts such as tires, brakes and even acoustic insulation compared to ICE vehicles, and this poses a challenge for car makers who have been making parts a certain way for years — even decades in some instances.
More weight is one thing car makers have to account for. Battery-powered electric vehicles tend to be heavier than conventional vehicles because of their large battery packs. EVs require a significant amount of energy to run, and that energy is stored in large, flat battery packs. And since the packs are usually placed low in the vehicle, they give the car a lower center of gravity. Automakers counter this with stronger axles, brakes and suspensions, and they optimize the vehicle for aerodynamics to reduce drag.
Greater torque. Electric vehicles are renowned for achieving instant torque. However, using this ability often will quickly wear out your tires. As such, automakers and tire makers have to develop tires that have grip but not too much resistance, which would reduce battery life. Manufacturers have to walk a fine line between tire durability and battery life.
Rolling resistance is a force that resists the motion of falling bodies, in this case, an EV’s tires. The vehicle will use more energy to counteract this force, ultimately reducing the battery life. A reduced or inconsistent battery life will in turn lead to range anxiety and reduce drivers’ confidence in electric vehicles. To counteract rolling resistance, car makers have to design batteries with low resistance. Ian Coke, technical officer in the United States for Pirelli Tire, says Pirelli uses a high content of silica in its design to achieve low resistance.
Sound. Unlike conventional vehicles, which use combustion engines, EVs are super quiet. Instead of a rumbling engine, EV drivers may soon be serenaded by music from composers as they cruise along. Last year, BMW commissioned legendary composer Hans Zimmer for one of its incoming i4 EVs. Nissan, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and other automakers have similar projects in the works.
General optimization for efficiency. Although EVs usually have a determined range, that range can be affected by a variety of factors. Weather, road conditions and air resistance can impact how much range a car has, and car makers have to take this into account when designing car parts. Things that used to be taken for granted such as tires, suspensions and brakes now have to be optimized for efficiency as well as an electric vehicle’s unique characteristics. Together, the sum of these parts should create an experience that will attract more drivers to green energy vehicles and boost EV adoption.
One of the companies that is betting its future on a future without internal combustion engine automobiles is Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF). The company is intent on establishing a nationwide network of hydrogen fuel cell stations at existing gas stations and truck stops.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MOTNF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the Green Car Stocks website applicable to all content provided by GCS, wherever published or re-published: https://www.GreenCarStocks.com/Disclaimer
Although electric cars represent the next frontier of vehicular travel, they were bound to disrupt the century-long automotive industry and the manufacturing practices that have now become procedure. Electric vehicles (“EVs”) are powered by a rechargeable battery, unlike conventional vehicles, which rely on internal combustion engines. But the differences between the two types of vehicles don’t stop there. EVs also require slightly modified vehicle parts such as tires, brakes and even acoustic insulation compared to ICE vehicles, and this poses a challenge for car makers who have been making parts a certain way for years — even decades in some instances.
More weight is one thing car makers have to account for. Battery-powered electric vehicles tend to be heavier than conventional vehicles because of their large battery packs. EVs require a significant amount of energy to run, and that energy is stored in large, flat battery packs. And since the packs are usually placed low in the vehicle, they give the car a lower center of gravity. Automakers counter this with stronger axles, brakes and suspensions, and they optimize the vehicle for aerodynamics to reduce drag.
Greater torque. Electric vehicles are renowned for achieving instant torque. However, using this ability often will quickly wear out your tires. As such, automakers and tire makers have to develop tires that have grip but not too much resistance, which would reduce battery life. Manufacturers have to walk a fine line between tire durability and battery life.
Rolling resistance is a force that resists the motion of falling bodies, in this case, an EV’s tires. The vehicle will use more energy to counteract this force, ultimately reducing the battery life. A reduced or inconsistent battery life will in turn lead to range anxiety and reduce drivers’ confidence in electric vehicles. To counteract rolling resistance, car makers have to design batteries with low resistance. Ian Coke, technical officer in the United States for Pirelli Tire, says Pirelli uses a high content of silica in its design to achieve low resistance.
Sound. Unlike conventional vehicles, which use combustion engines, EVs are super quiet. Instead of a rumbling engine, EV drivers may soon be serenaded by music from composers as they cruise along. Last year, BMW commissioned legendary composer Hans Zimmer for one of its incoming i4 EVs. Nissan, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and other automakers have similar projects in the works.
General optimization for efficiency. Although EVs usually have a determined range, that range can be affected by a variety of factors. Weather, road conditions and air resistance can impact how much range a car has, and car makers have to take this into account when designing car parts. Things that used to be taken for granted such as tires, suspensions and brakes now have to be optimized for efficiency as well as an electric vehicle’s unique characteristics. Together, the sum of these parts should create an experience that will attract more drivers to green energy vehicles and boost EV adoption.
One of the companies that is betting its future on a future without internal combustion engine automobiles is Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF). The company is intent on establishing a nationwide network of hydrogen fuel cell stations at existing gas stations and truck stops.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MOTNF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the Green Car Stocks website applicable to all content provided by GCS, wherever published or re-published: https://www.GreenCarStocks.com/Disclaimer
