Maintenance is required for every vehicle whether electric vehicle, gasoline vehicle or any other internal combustion engine vehicle. However, maintaining EVs is easier and cheaper than other internal combustion engine. EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles. The main part of an EV is the battery, made of lithium-ion, in which energy is stored and the second, electric motor, in which electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy.
Yes, service is required for electric vehicles so that all the functions of the vehicle work properly, maintain optimal vehicle performance, prevent breakdown and costly repairs, enhance the safety of the vehicle, and increase the lifespan of the components. Because of this, electric car owners enjoy and are happy with their EVs in the long drive.
Function of Lithium-ion Battery
The lithium-ion battery is a very important and costly component of the electric vehicle. Li-ion battery has high energy density and fast charging compared to other batteries. This component stores the energy and supplies the energy to an electric vehicle. R&D continues to improve in Li-ion battery technology in terms of energy density, battery life span, charging speed, cost and safety.
The battery pack has many cells. The stored energy in the battery is released when the vehicle starts moving. The performance and life span of the battery depend on factors such as current, voltage, charging rate, overcharging, and over-discharging. Through maintenance or servicing, the technician inspects what is the condition of the battery and if any defect or damage occurs in the battery pack, it can be detected at the beginning and solved.
Maintenance of Lithium-ion Battery
The following things are checked during the maintenance of lithium-ion battery and also follow the company service manual – check the current, voltage, charging rate, discharging rate, all the cells of the battery pack charge uniformly, the amount of energy stored by the battery, battery temperature during charging, battery temperature during operation, observe wiring and battery connection.
Function of Electric Motor
The second important part of EVs after the lithium-ion battery is the electric motor. The motor works to rotate the wheels of the EVs, resulting in the vehicle’s movement. The electric motor of the EVs converts the electrical energy received from the lithium battery into mechanical energy. This motor is very powerful. If the condition of the motor is good then the motor will consume less energy and will cover more distance.
When an electric vehicle starts, the motor makes very little noise whereas when a conventional vehicle starts, the engine makes a lot of noise. There are very few moving parts in the motor whereas there are a lot of moving parts in the internal combustion engine. This increases the chances of it getting damaged and putting a burden on the pockets.
Kinetic energy is produced when the brake is applied to the vehicle. The electric motor converts this kinetic energy into electrical energy, after which this energy is stored in the Li-ion battery. This system is called the regenerative braking system. Here the electric motor works like a generator.
Maintenance of Electric Motor
The motor should function properly at all times. The electric vehicle technician checks the following things and also according to the company service manual – is the vehicle motor making any abnormal noise, check connections and wiring, lubricants condition and level, cooling components of the motor, motor bearing and motor seal are correct, test the motor’s smooth operation and the motor is running at its full capacity.
Brake System
There is some difference between electrical vehicles’ brake systems and gasoline vehicles’ brake systems. An electrical vehicle has the facility of a regenerative braking system. In conventional vehicles, the brake is used only to decelerate or stop the vehicle whereas in electric vehicles, kinetic energy is produced after the brake is applied along with deceleration or stopping the vehicle. This kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery.
Maintenance of Brake System
During servicing or maintenance of the braking system of an electric vehicle, the following things are taken care of and also according to the company service manual – Check the brake pad condition, brake fluid, ensure the brake caliper condition, check the brake system-related components of the regenerative braking system, check the rotor condition and inspect the brake system.
Some other works are also important during maintenance-
Wheel: Check the tire, wheel rotation, wheel alignment, suspension and steering.
Charging: Ensure that the charging port is clean, properly functioning and connected.
Electrical: Check the electrical components connection, wiring, electronic control system, sensor, camera, interior switches, interior lights, exterior lights and horns.
Cooling: The EV motor and other components generate heat so check the cooling system and coolant level. Software: EVs Company from time to time releases software updates to enhance the features, performance and safety of electric vehicles. Ensure the electric vehicle software is updated.
CONCLUSION
Yes, electric vehicles require maintenance or servicing, but their services are cheaper and easier when compared to gasoline vehicles. EV has fewer moving parts when compared to gasoline vehicles.