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Virtual Laboratory: Study & Identification of EV Components

Interactive simulation for identification and study of the battery, motor, controller and drivetrain of an Electric Vehicle.

1. Aim of the Experiment

To study, identify and understand the construction, function and interconnection of major Electric Vehicle (EV) components using interactive models, diagrams, mathematical calculations and graphs.

Learning outcome: After completing this virtual experiment, the learner should be able to identify the battery pack, motor, electronic controller and drivetrain and explain how electrical energy is converted into mechanical traction.

2. Major EV Components

Electrical Energy Storage

Battery Pack

Stores DC electrical energy and supplies the traction system.

  • Cell modules
  • BMS
  • Contactors
  • Thermal management
🔋
Power Electronics

Controller / Inverter

Controls current, voltage and motor torque according to driver demand.

  • Power switches
  • Gate driver
  • Control logic
  • Protection
⚡
Energy Conversion

Traction Motor

Converts electrical power into rotational mechanical power.

  • Stator
  • Rotor
  • Bearings
  • Position sensing
⚙
Mechanical Transmission

Drivetrain

Transfers motor torque to the wheels through reduction gearing, differential and shafts.

  • Gear reduction
  • Differential
  • Drive shafts
  • Wheels
🚗

3. EV Powertrain — Publication-Style Schematic

EV Traction Powertrain Architecture BATTERY PACK DC Energy Storage CONTROLLER Inverter + Control TRACTION MOTOR Electrical → Mechanical DRIVETRAIN Reduction + Differential DRIVE WHEELS DC Power Controlled AC Torque Speed / position feedback ENERGY STORAGE POWER ELECTRONICS ELECTROMECHANICAL MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION

Figure 1. Simplified architecture of a battery-electric vehicle traction powertrain.

4. Component Identification Table

Component Primary Function Typical Input Typical Output Important Parameters
Battery Energy storage Electrical energy during charging DC electrical power Voltage, Ah, kWh, SOC, C-rate
Controller / Inverter Power conversion and motor control DC bus power + control command Controlled motor current Switching frequency, current, duty ratio
Motor Electromechanical energy conversion Electrical power Mechanical torque Torque, rpm, efficiency, power
Drivetrain Torque transmission and speed reduction Motor torque/speed Wheel torque/speed Gear ratio, efficiency, wheel radius

5. Interactive EV Powertrain Calculator

Electrical Parameters

Mechanical Parameters

Battery Power 60.0 kW
Motor Power 54.2 kW
Motor Torque 172.5 N·m
Wheel Torque 1425 N·m
Wheel Speed 333 rpm
Vehicle Speed 37.7 km/h
Overall Efficiency 83.3 %
Wheel Power 50.0 kW

6. Mathematical Model

Battery Electrical Power

P = V × I

Motor Torque

T = P 2 π n / 60

Gear Reduction

nw = nm G

Vehicle Speed

v = 2 π rw nw

Overall Efficiency

ηoverall = ηinv × ηmotor × ηdrive

The equations represent an idealized steady-state model. Real EVs additionally exhibit losses due to switching, copper resistance, iron loss, bearing friction, tire-road interaction, thermal effects, auxiliary loads and battery internal resistance.

7. Energy Conversion Flow

Battery
DC Energy
→
Controller
Power Conversion
→
Motor
Torque
→
Drivetrain
Torque Transmission
→
Wheels
Traction
Energy-flow principle: The battery provides DC electrical energy. The controller regulates this energy and supplies controlled electrical power to the motor. The motor develops electromagnetic torque, which is transferred through the drivetrain to the wheels.

8. Performance Graphs

Motor Torque vs Speed

Power vs Speed

Efficiency vs Speed

Battery Current vs Power

9. Battery Pack Model

Battery Pack Internal Structure CELL CELL CELL CELL CELL CELL CELL BMS Voltage • Temperature • SOC • Protection DC output to inverter Cell Electrochemical energy storage BMS Supervises and protects cells

10. Traction Motor Cross-Section

Simplified Permanent-Magnet Traction Motor Stator winding Produces rotating magnetic field Rotor Rotating electromagnetic member Shaft Transfers mechanical torque Stator winding Permanent magnet

Figure 2. Simplified conceptual cross-section of a permanent-magnet traction motor. Actual machine geometry varies with motor topology.

11. Controller / Inverter Model

Three-Phase Motor Inverter and Control DC BUS +Vdc / −Vdc THREE-PHASE INVERTER S1 S3 S5 S4 S6 S2 MOTOR U • V • W Control: PWM + Current / Speed Feedback DC electrical input Controlled three-phase power

12. Observation Sheet

Parameter Simulated Value Unit
Battery voltage 400 V
Battery current 150 A
Battery power 60.0 kW
Motor speed 3000 rpm
Motor torque 172.5 N·m
Wheel torque 1425 N·m
Vehicle speed 37.7 km/h

Precautions & Notes