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Types of EV Battery Cooling Systems Liquid or Air

Which is Better EV Battery Cooling System – Liquid or Air?

For achieving high thermal efficiency, EV batteries are needed to be kept within the optimal operating temperatures which is why the cooling systems for electric car batteries are critical. Liquid or air cooling system is the most widely used technique to keep an EV battery within the optimal thermal range. Lithium-ion batteries are influenced by temperatures a lot. In fact, that is a major drawback of these types of batteries. But these are energy dense, lightweight, relatively affordable and capable of fast charging, which is why these are mostly used in EVs today. However, an efficient thermal management system needs to be in place to keep the cells from getting too hot or cold to ensure a stable and maximum range and performance. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging You might also like: Mercedes Electric G-Wagon (EQG) to Get Silicon Battery Material Liquid vs Air EV Battery Cooling System Liquid EV Battery Cooling System There are two types of liquid battery cooling methods – Direct and Indirect. In a direct liquid cooling mechanism, the battery cells are in direct contact with the coolant. For this to work, the coolant needs to have low to no conductivity. However, there is still intensive R&D going on about this which is why we don’t see it in EVs at the moment. Indirect cooling is something that we have got accustomed to even in traditional internal combustion engines. It consists of thin metal pipes that are placed right next to the battery surface. The heat generated during discharging (when the car in is motion) is absorbed by the coolant (generally glycol or polyglycol) running in these metal pipes via conduction. As a result, the excess heat is taken away by the coolant and it recirculates over and over again. This is the most common method used to control the temperatures of EV batteries today. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Air EV Battery Cooling System As the name suggests, air cooling systems use the principle of convection instead of conduction for heat transfer. The air circulates around the hot battery and absorbs the heat emitted by it. Needless to mention, this is quite an inefficient way to manage thermal balance. There were some earlier budget EVs that used to have this mechanism, but eventually, carmakers moved to liquid cooling systems. Other Types of Battery Cooling Systems There is also the fin cooling system that is used in many electrical appliances. You must’ve seen fans and cooling setups with thin fins. The principle used in this setup is also convection. These fins have high thermal conductivity which ensures that they absorb the heat. But installing fins inside the vehicles requires additional space and weight. Those are undesirable aspects in modern cars where packing efficiency is critical to liberating the maximum space for the passengers. Finally, there are also Phase Change Materials (PCM) which absorb heat and change from solid to liquid. As one would imagine, the reason why they are not used in vehicles is because of the change in volume. When matter changes forms, there is a change in volume as well. For instance, ice melts to form water. Ice needs compact space while the same amount of water needs more space in liquid form. This property of PCMs renders them useless for automobile applications. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says In inference, due to the heat transfer capabilities of liquid cooling systems, these are much better than air cooling systems for EV battery cooling. Sure, there can be issues with the liquid cooling systems like leakage. But this system is designed in such a way that it doesn’t happen. In case it still transpires, it is ensured that the passengers remain safe. As far as corrosion is concerned, additives are added to the coolant to ensure great protection against any such issues.

Pros Cons Large Tires For EV Range and Performance

How Larger Tires Affect EV Range and Performance

Featured / By LEC Team

Larger alloy wheels and tire sizes have an aesthetic appeal that a lot of car buyers enjoy but there are practical disadvantages to it. We are sure you must’ve heard that installing larger tires on your EV has signficant influence on the range and performance. Knowing the importance of choosing the right tire is anyway important, but it becomes even more critical with electric cars where range of the prime concern. Range anxiety continues to plague the mass adoption of electric cars, in addition to a lot of other factors. That is why it is of paramount importance that one optimizes the parameters that are in your hands. That is where the right tire size comes into the picture. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging Effects of Larger Tires on EV Range Larger tires are generally of two types – bigger diameter or broader width. The latter is known as low-profile tires which we witness on performance cars often. The reason is quite simple – broader width means a larger area of contact with the ground, resulting in better grip and traction, especially under hard acceleration and around the corners. Also, tires with bigger diameter mostly are low-profile tires, but it is not necessarily always the case. Now, the drag coefficient of resistance of an electric car depends on the frontal area of the car, in addition to many other factors. When the tires are broader, the frontal area of the car increases, increasing the resistance to motion. Hence, more energy is needed to move the EV. Also, larger tires are heavier. This means that more sprung mass is added for the powertrain to pull. Hence, the range is reduced and so is the performance. You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Tesla Model 3 – 19″ vs 18″ Wheels For Tesla Model 3 Long Range version, the official EPA-estimated range with 19″ wheels is 315 mi, whereas, with 18″ wheels, it is 333 mi. This is a difference of around 5% just because of the tire size. When you are perilously low on juice on a highway, a difference of 18 mi could be a lot. EV vs Non-EV Tires Another relevant aspect while going for new tires is whether or not these are designed for EVs. One might think of saving some dollars by getting a similar-looking non-EV tire. Well, there are tiny details when it comes to tires that most car owners can easily overlook. That could lead to a significant altercation to some aspects of your car. These include things like tire noise, durability, rolling resistance, efficiency, performance, braking and more. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect tire. You might also like: 5 Unique Features on Jeep Avenger You Might Not Know About There are always trade-offs. The carmaker chooses the right tire size after a lot of research to strike a balance between all aforementioned factors. Therefore, sticking to the OE tire might be the best option. Alternatively, you must approach a professional and understand the pros and cons, in case you wish to get new tires. Having trade-offs is not necessarily a bad thing if you are willing to make that compromise.

Electric Cars Repair Costs vs Petrol and Diesel Cars

Are Repair Costs of Electric Cars Lower Than Petrol & Diesel Cars?

Featured / By LEC Team

We have been led to believe that the high initial costs of EVs can be offset by low running and repair costs over the duration of ownership. Calculating the repair costs of electric cars can be a tricky affair. As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, EVs have gained significant popularity for their eco-friendly features and cost-saving potential. In this blog post, we shall explore the factors that influence repair costs for electric and petrol and diesel cars, comparing the two to determine whether EVs truly offer a financial advantage in terms of maintenance and repairs. You might also like: Top 5 Tips To Save / Earn Money From EV Charging You might also like: How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies Repair Costs of Electric Cars Battery Costs We are sure that almost everyone knows by now that the batteries of EVs cost almost half the total price of an electric car. Hence, it is the biggest and the most expensive single component in an eco-friendly vehicle. While electric vehicle batteries are designed to last a long time, they do degrade over time and may require replacement after a certain number of years or miles. Battery replacement costs can vary significantly depending on the make and model of the electric car. However, it is worth noting that many electric vehicle manufacturers provide warranties on their batteries, offering coverage for repair or replacement costs within a specific time or mileage limit Design of EVs vs ICE Cars Electric cars have simpler mechanical designs compared to petrol cars because they have fewer moving parts, no exhaust systems and no complex internal combustion engines. This simplicity often translates into lower repair costs for electric cars. With fewer components prone to wear and tear, the potential for mechanical failures and the associated repair costs can be reduced. You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Low Maintenance Needs EVs have fewer maintenance requirements compared to petrol and diesel cars. For example, electric cars don’t need regular oil changes, spark plug replacements or timing belt adjustments, which are typical maintenance tasks for petrol are diesel cars. As a result, electric car owners can save on the costs associated with these routine maintenance tasks, thereby potentially lowering their overall repair costs. Specialized Repairs and Technician Expertise Electric cars have unique systems and components that require specialized knowledge and tools for repairs. As a result, repair costs for electric vehicles can sometimes be higher than those for petrol and diesel cars. Finding qualified repair shops and technicians with expertise in electric vehicle technology may also be challenging, depending on your location. These factors can contribute to higher labour costs for electric car repairs, potentially offsetting the cost-saving benefits of simpler designs and reduced maintenance requirements. Repair Costs Comparison When comparing repair costs, it’s essential to consider the upfront cost of the vehicle as well. Electric cars tend to have higher purchase prices compared to petrol cars. However, it’s worth noting that electric car manufacturers often offer incentives, tax credits, and lower operating costs (such as reduced fuel and maintenance expenses) that can offset the higher purchase price over time. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Learn Electric Cars Says While electric cars may have advantages in terms of simplified mechanical designs, reduced routine maintenance requirements, and lower fuel costs, it’s important to carefully consider the overall cost of ownership, including potential repair costs. While electric cars generally have lower repair costs due to fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance needs, battery-related expenses and specialized repair requirements can offset some of the savings. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, advancements in technology, increased availability of qualified repair services, and economies of scale may further contribute to lower repair costs for electric cars. Ultimately, it is crucial to research specific models, factor in warranties and incentives, and consider your unique driving patterns and requirements before determining whether the repair costs of electric cars are indeed lower than those of petrol cars.

How to Maximize EV Driving Range – Tips & Strategies

Featured / By LEC Team

Electric cars look to be the norm going forward which is why it makes sense to acquaint ourselves with their behaviours and idiosyncrasies. Arguably the most common question among future EV owners is how to maximize EV driving range. As more vehicles get electrified, this is a valid question. Extending the distance an EV can travel on a single charge is critical for mass adoption and to appease range anxiety. In this blog, we shall explore several tips and strategies to improve electric driving range. This would range from optimizing driving habits and maximizing battery efficiency to utilizing charging infrastructure effectively. You might also like: Wireless Charging For EVs Could Be Revolutionary Technology How to Maximize EV Range? Regenerative Braking Firstly, let us commence by discussing a built-in feature that most EVs inherently possess – Regenerative Braking. During acceleration, the electric motor takes power from the battery to power the wheels. However, during braking, the kinetic and heat energy can be used in the reverse direction to get stored back into the battery. When the driver lifts his/her foot off the gas pedal, this reverse circulation of energy can bring the car to a complete stop. This is called energy recuperation or regenerative braking. This is a great feature that could be used on downhill slopes to get some juice back into the battery. Reducing Energy Consumption in the Cabin You might know that it is nigh impossible to get the exact driving range that is claimed by the company as per the WLTP or any other standardized test cycle. This is because the range depends on various factors including driving mannerisms and the use of energy-sucking components like HVAC, heated and ventilated seats, auxiliary audio systems, etc. Now we understand that you can’t switch off the AC when it’s scorching hot, but in the case of an emergency, you must know that turning all these functions off can help maximize the range. You might also like: Are Stricter Emission Norms Right to Push Mass EV Adoption? Battery Management and Maintenance An eminent aspect of electric cars is their battery management system. In fact, carmakers are burning a lot of cash in the development of the BMS for EVs. This takes into account how well the cooling system is, how will the battery perform outside the ideal temperature range, how often does a battery need maintenance, etc. Regularly monitoring the battery’s state of charge (SoC) and avoiding extremely high or low levels can help prolong battery life. Sticking to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules, including software updates and battery health checks, helps maintain optimal performance. Using Charging Infrastructure Prudently You would think what role can the charging infrastructure play in maximizing range, right? Well, it is well-known that prolonged fast charging of any Li-ion battery can reduce its life. Sure, it doesn’t degrade the battery too much too rapidly. But if you are planning to own an EV for 8-10 years or even beyond that, making a conscious decision of using DC rapid charging minimally can make a lot of difference. For this, proper planning is needed. You must develop the habit of charging your EV at your home or work using an AC charger. Restrict the usage of DC rapid charging for long journeys on highways. Driving Mannerisms Finally, the most effective way to maximize the driving range of an EV depends on the way you drive it. Now, this is true even to sequester the maximum fuel economy from your ICE-powered vehicle and this law holds true even in the EV world. As opposed to ICE cars, EVs are more suited for city driving and not high-speed scenarios on highways. Higher energy gets consumed in the latter case. Traditional cars are more efficient on the highways but consume a lot of fuel in bumper-to-bumper traffic. To squeeze the maximum range though, simple habits like using the throttle and brake pedal gently and not flooring it is the way to go. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 Learn Electric Cars Says These are some tips and strategies that one could incorporate in everyday life, as well as from a long-term perspective to ensure that the health of the battery is great and you are able to get the maximum range out of every charging cycle. We must also add that the R&D on batteries is still ongoing and ways to increase range and reduce charging times are surfacing every day. Hence, we might get more efficient batteries going forward.

Stricter Emission Norms For Mass EV Adoption

Are Stricter Emission Norms Right to Push Mass EV Adoption?

Featured / By LEC Team

Governments, in many parts of the globe, are planning to suggest stricter emission norms in a bid to push mass EV adoption. We are witnessing a historic transition to electric mobility as the sales surge with every passing year. Needless to mention, it is the case exclusively in some of the top countries in the world with regard to the market size of the automobile industry while most nations are still struggling to get to terms with this metamorphosis. You might also like: Here’s How Ferrari May Still Sell ICE Cars Post EU Ban of 2035 You might also like: 5 New EV Battery Technologies – Aluminium-ion to Niobium Stricter Emission Norms to Push EV Adoption? As per recent online reports, the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) in the USA is proposing stringent emission norms for the existing and upcoming ICE-powered vehicles so that the carmakers have no other option but to embrace electrification rapidly. Emission regulations across the world already get more demanding with each passing year. As a result, it becomes expensive to keep developing the existing diesel and petrol powertrains to abide by the requirements. We have seen diesel fizzle out just in the last couple of years due to this very reason from many global markets. The cost to upgrade diesel engines to meet the latest vehicular pollution limits was simply too high to make business sense. Hence, the companies started ditching the diesel powertrain altogether. But if governments across the world start imposing high demands from the existing IC engines, it will become difficult to keep upgrading the petrol engines so frequently too. Essentially, the government is forcing the hand of the car marques to voluntarily and swiftly adopt EVs. You might also like: Tesla to Make PMS Motor Without Rare Earth Elements Challenges with this While such measures have a positive aspect wherein the car marques will need to invest heavily in the development of EVs and charging infrastructure, we are not sure how the auto companies will react. The prices of EVs still continue to be high putting them out of the reach of a vast majority of the populace, the charging infrastructure is far from abundant in most parts of the world, range anxiety is still prevalent, a few fires have caused people to be a bit apprehensive about the safety, the use of rare earth elements and metals like cobalt poses serious environmental and human rights challenges, lack of battery recycling opportunities, increased use of semiconductors in EVs are some of the key challenges still associated with electric cars. Therefore, while the intention might be correct, governments across the world must first ensure that the general public is in a position to buy EVs on a large scale and the infrastructure is there to eliminate the issue of range anxiety. Most countries are on board with ambitious carbon-neutrality plans in the next couple of decades but there is still a lot of groundwork to be done to make it a reality.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis for Electric Cars

Qualcomm Plans to Dominate the Future of Electric Cars

Featured / By LEC Team

Qualcomm has always been a part of traditional ICE-powered, as well as modern electric cars. All new cars contain extensive use of electronic components. This includes semiconductor chips, ECUs, relays, etc. Essentially, all the mechanical operations in new cars have been substituted by electronic operations to enhance convenience. At CES 2023, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon Digital Chassis software-defined concept vehicle. It showcases the next generation of mobility and automotive solutions. You might also like: Why Electric Cars Catching Fire Must Concern You Qualcomm Snapdragon for Electric Cars There are 4 main components of the Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis that will cover almost all the areas of modern EVs – Cloud-Connected Platforms for Telematics, Connectivity, Digital Cockpit and Driver Assistance & Autonomy. Auto Connectivity – This includes functions related to overall connectivity in any modern car like 5G, LTE, C-V2X, WiFi, Bluetooth, MF-GNSS, DSDA and more. Cockpit Platform – This is perhaps the most practical one of the lot where the drivers will evidently experience certain changes some of which have already arrived in EVs from a select few car marques. This incorporates things like a configurable 3D Digital Cluster, E-Mirrors, 3D Navigation, Natural Language Processing, Streaming Multimedia, Premium Audio and Intelligent UI. Car-to-Cloud – This is perhaps the most compelling aspect of modern cars where most operations will be accessible via OTA (Over-the-Air) updates pertaining to Device Management, Global Connectivity, Integrated Analysis, Service, Diagnostics and more. Ride Platform – This is aimed at enhancing the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and Autonomous Driving (AD) functions using the low-power, high-performance SoC (System-on-Chips) for Simulation and Continuous Learning. All these functions sum up the entire processes of modern cars and a successful firm like Qualcomm is perfectly positioned to leverage its expertise and experience in this field. You might also like: Top Solid-State Battery Companies For EVs Automotive-IT Collaborations Qualcomm has already partnered with the giants of the automotive industry including GM, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Sony Honda Mobility, Cadillac, Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen, Dodge, Maserati and Chrysler) and more. The Digital Chassis envelopes the entire automotive software stack including parking sensors, radar for ADAS, smartphone apps, downloadable upgrades and more. Qualcomm has received support from BMW, Hyundai Motor Group, Nio and Volvo for the new platform. Additionally, LG Electronics has established technical collaboration with Magna which is a major global automotive parts supplier and assembles cars for companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar and Fisker. Magna will develop a proof of concept for automated driver infotainment solutions for differentiated customer experiences. A more recent example of the Automotive-IT collaboration is the Sony Honda Mobility (SHM). In fact, its EV called Afeela was a major point of attraction at the CES 2023. This concept car even featured Fortnite and Spider-Man gameplay imagery on a digital display above its front bumper. The PS5 game ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ appeared on the rear seat displays of Afeela. Afeela will also use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis system for ADAS, Autonomous Driving, Interfaces and Telematics. You might also like: Does the Future of EVs Rest on Sodium Ion Batteries? No Semiconductor Shortage Issue Finally, no one is unfamiliar with the severe semiconductor shortage issue that has been plaguing the global automotive industry for a while now. The current cars need a dozen different ECUs for various things like display, parking, driver monitoring, audio, speakers, windows, AC, etc. However, with the Digital Chassis, all these will get integrated into a common platform reducing the number of semiconductor chips, thereby, reducing the overall cost. With almost every aspect of EVs becoming electronic, the future would certainly require automotive companies to collaborate with the giants of the IT and Tech industries. Source

Hybrid Cars vs Electric Cars – Which Is Better and Why?

Featured, Hybrid / By LEC Team

The path to the future clearly leads to electric cars but must pass through hybrid cars. The obvious question that a modern-day car buyer must consider before making a purchase decision is hybrid vs electric cars. In essence, anyone who wants to own a vehicle for a long time would consider some sort of electrification. There are only two valid choices; a full-electric car or a hybrid electric car. Let us discuss the pros and cons of each. You might also like: Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade? Electric Cars vs Hybrid Cars Hybrid Cars – Pros and Cons The hybrid cars that we are talking about here are PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Cars) that are capable of driving on pure electricity for short distances. The mild-hybrid cars are those that offer just the Start/Stop function. The PHEVs are cleverly integrated into modern vehicles which allows the vehicle to be driven using an electric motor. In addition to that, hybrid powertrains also aid the engine by providing some form of boost or enhancing the fuel economy. This is done by providing power to the engine during those RPMs when the internal combustion engine consumes the most fuel. The electric system comes in handy to increase the mileage of cars significantly. Another important aspect of hybrid vehicles is the fact that it doesn’t require too many modifications to the engine of a regular car. There are not too many electric components to disturb the regular layout of the IC engine. Finally, the prices of hybrid cars are much more affordable and attractive compared to pure electric cars. This translates to a minimal increment over the regular IC engine-powered vehicles. Since, price is a major hurdle in the mass adoption process of the EVs, hybrid vehicles present a great case. You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers Electric Cars – Pros and Cons The full-electric cars have a slew of advantages which is why the prospect is gaining traction so rapidly. The running costs compared to fuel-powered vehicles are drastically low. In fact, the prices of petrol and diesel are on a rise lately and this trend is unlikely to stop anytime soon. The price to charge the EV is comparatively much cheaper. Apart from that, there are no tailpipe emissions at all. This is a great feature to have in big cities where governments around the globe are looking for such solutions. However, it must be argued that the carbon footprint for EVs is not zero because the production of batteries and electricity is not carbon-free yet. The driving dynamics and performance of electric cars are yet another reason why people are so in awe of them. Unlike IC engines, the electric powertrains offer 100% torque from the get-go. As soon as you press the accelerator pedal, there is no lag in power delivery. This is because there are not too many mechanical components or emission-focused engine calibration to prevent the engine from delivering all the torque to the wheels instantly. The list of cons of EVs is, unfortunately, quite lengthy too. First and foremost, the initial costs of EVs are almost double that of a similar model with an IC engine. This puts the EVs far away from the reach of most regular car buyers. On top of that, the biggest concern is the lack of charging infrastructure. People have the range anxiety that they haven’t gotten over yet. You might also like: Are Hybrid Powertrains Perfect To Bridge The Gap Between IC Engines & Full-Electric Drivetrains? Once the EV runs out of juice on the highway, you are pretty much stranded. Although the charging infrastructure is being developed at a rapid pace, it would still take years before there are enough charging stations on the highways to make people comfortable and relaxed.

Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade?

1 Comment / Featured, Hybrid / By LEC Team

With people beginning to experience the electric car revolution around them, the natural question is a comparison with the traditional gas cars. The electric car vs gas car debate comes naturally if you are even remotely privy to the latest developments around yourself in the global automobile industry. Electric cars are here and for good. There is almost nothing left in the development of an internal combustion engine to make them comply with the ever-stringent becoming emission regulations in every part of the world. The future, that people used to associate electric cars with, is here. Are you ready to upgrade? You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers Electric vs Gas Cars Gas cars have been around for over a century. The steam engine and later on, fuel in the form of petrol and diesel were the sources for generating power in gas cars. Electric cars, on the contrary, receive power from a battery that is generally placed under the floor of the vehicle. It supplied power to the electric motor, in turn powering the wheels. This is the basic difference of how the power is generated in both these types of cars. Emissions Difference The traditional fuels are derived from natural resources where petrol and diesel burn to produce energy. This leaves a large chunk of carbon in the form of exhaust emissions. Internal combustion engines (ICE) are only around 25-30% (petrol) and 30-40% (diesel) efficient. This naturally means that the majority of the energy produced by ICE-power cars goes waste and causes pollution. To tackle this, electrification was introduced. With electric vehicles, there is no fuel involved and no emissions. However, it must be understood that the carbon emissions required to produce electricity and batteries need to be taken into consideration which is referred to as source-to-tank. There are emissions involved in this process. But at the end of the day, companies are working on developing recyclable battery packs with less use of toxic metals in the composition of cells. Also, electricity is being produced by renewable sources like windmills, solar energy and hydro energy. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? Price Difference While the technological feasibility is for the OEMs to take care of, the cost of the final product is what the regal people are concerned with. All zero-emissions narratives and carbon neutrality targets mean nothing if people are not able to afford electric cars. In this aspect, the EV version of a regular car costs around over 50% more for the same car model. This is a huge mark-up for the customers to bear. As with every technology, the costs associated with it come down when the volumes go up. As far as the EV space is concerned, we are still at a relatively nascent stage. There needs to be a lot of work done to improve battery manufacturing and capacity, charging infrastructure, EV manufacturing costs, etc. for electrified cars to become a mass market. But the governments across the world are offering incentives and benefits to promote EV adoption. On the other end of the spectrum, the auto manufacturers have come up with aggressive and ambitious plans to quit manufacturing ICE-powered vehicles by the end of the decade. Hence, you must get ready to embrace this EV wave that seems to be inevitable. These are some points to be considered in this electric car vs gas car debate.

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