Introduction of electric vehicle
An electric vehicle is driven using a battery and an electric motor. Whilst general vehicles use an internal combustion engine and petrol as fuel, electric vehicles use electrical energy that is charged and stored inside the high voltage battery.
As a result, electric vehicles are eco-friendly in that they do not require fuel and do not emit exhaust gases.
Characteristics of electric vehicles
It is powered by the electrical energy that is charged and stored inside the high voltage battery. This method prevents air pollution since fuel, like petrol, is not required, negating the emission of exhaust gases.
A high performance electric motor is used in the vehicle as well. Compared to standard, internal combustion engine vehicles, engine noise and vibrations are much more minimal when driving.
When decelerating or driving downhill, regenerative braking is utilized to charge the high voltage battery. This minimises energy loss and increases the distance to empty.
When the battery charge is not sufficient, AC charge (L2-Normal), DC charge, and Trickle charge (L1-Trickle) are available. (Refer to More Details.)
Battery information
The vehicle is composed of a high voltage battery that drives the motor and air conditioner, and charges an auxiliary battery (12 V) that drives all other 12 V systems.
The auxiliary battery is automatically charged when the vehicle is in READY mode or the high voltage battery is being charged.
What does regenerative braking do?
It uses the electric motor during deceleration to recapture kinetic energy and transform it into electrical energy, thereby charging the high voltage battery.