There are many differences between new energy vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles) and traditional fuel vehicles in terms of components and parts. Because of the significant differences in their power systems, energy supply methods, drive structures, etc., there are also significant differences in the design of their core components and building blocks. The following is a comparison of some key components of new energy vehicles and fuel vehicles:
Powertrain
New energy vehicles (electric vehicles)
Electric motor: The core power system of an electric vehicle is an electric motor, usually an AC asynchronous motor or permanent magnet synchronous motor. These electric motors are smaller, lighter and simpler in structure compared to internal combustion engines.
Battery pack: EVs rely on batteries as energy storage devices, commonly lithium batteries (e.g. Li-ion ternary batteries or lithium iron phosphate batteries), which are required to provide sufficient range and high charging and discharging efficiency.
Electronic control system: The electronic control system of an electric vehicle manages the charging and discharging process of the battery, regulates the output power of the electric motor, and includes charging management, energy recovery system, and so on.
Fuel Vehicles
Internal Combustion Engine: Fuel vehicles rely on an internal combustion engine (e.g., gasoline or diesel engine) to provide power. Internal combustion engines require the combustion of fuel to produce mechanical power through the movement of pistons, involving complex combustion processes and exhaust gas treatment.
Fuel System: Includes the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injection system, etc., which is used to store and deliver fuel to the engine.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system of fuel vehicles includes catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, etc., which are used to reduce harmful emissions and treat exhaust gases produced by the engine.
Transmission System
New Energy Vehicles (Electric Vehicles)
Single-speed transmission: Most EVs use a single-speed transmission (some high-performance EVs may have two- or multi-speed transmissions) because the electric motor works very efficiently and does not require complex multi-gear shifting.
Reducer: Electric motors have high RPMs, so a reducer is usually installed after the motor to reduce RPMs and increase torque output.
Fuel Vehicles
Multi-Speed Transmission: Fuel vehicles typically use either a manual or automatic transmission, providing multiple gears for the driver to choose from to accommodate different speeds and loads.
Clutch (manual transmission)/torque converter (automatic transmission): Used to switch between gears to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
Energy supply
New Energy Vehicle (Electric Vehicle)
Charging Port: Electric vehicles rely on charging piles for charging, usually equipped with standard alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) charging ports.
Charging equipment: such as on-board chargers, external fast chargers, etc. The charging process of EVs is more complicated compared to refueling, and the charging time depends on the charging power and battery capacity.
Fuel Vehicle
Fuel Tank: Fuel vehicles store gasoline or diesel fuel through the fuel tank, usually the refueling process is faster, the fuel tank has a larger capacity and can usually be refueled to completion.
Refueling system: Includes fuel gun, fuel gauge, fuel pipe and other equipment used to deliver fuel to the fuel tank in the car.
Drive System
New Energy Vehicle (Electric Vehicle)
Electric motor drive: the electric motor drives the wheels directly, reducing the need for complex mechanical transmission systems. Some EVs are all-wheel drive (AWD), driving the front and rear wheels separately via front and rear electric motors; while others are rear or front drive.
Efficient Power Distribution: The instantaneous torque output of the electric motor can be precisely controlled and distributed by an intelligent electronic system.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Internal Combustion Engine Drive: The internal combustion engine transmits power to the wheels through a series of components such as clutches, transmissions, driveshafts, and differentials. There are usually different types of drive such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive (4WD).
Differential: Used to regulate the speed difference between the wheels on both sides, especially when cornering.
Suspension and Body
New Energy Vehicle (Electric Vehicle)
Body design: Since the powertrain of an EV is more simple, the body design usually focuses more on space optimization. Since the battery pack is usually installed at the bottom of the chassis, the center of gravity of EVs is lower, which helps improve handling.
Suspension: The suspension of an EV is usually designed to be more refined to support the heavier battery pack. Some EVs have independent suspension designs to improve comfort and handling.
Fuel Vehicles
Body Design: Traditional fuel vehicles have a large engine and drivetrain that takes up a lot of space, and the body design usually focuses on reducing air resistance, improving comfort, and so on.
Suspension system: Fuel vehicles also have diverse suspension systems. Depending on the model, independent or non-independent suspension may be used to balance cost, comfort and handling performance.
Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
New Energy Vehicles (Electric Vehicles)
Electrically Driven Air Conditioning Systems: The air conditioning systems in EVs are usually powered by an electric compressor capable of providing cooling or heating while the vehicle is running, and usually do not rely on engine power.
Heat pump technology: To improve energy efficiency, some high-efficiency electric vehicles use heat pump technology for interior heating, which is more energy efficient than traditional resistance heaters.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Engine-driven air conditioning system: The air conditioning system in fuel vehicles is usually powered by an engine-driven compressor, which consumes a portion of the engine’s power.
Warm air system: Fuel vehicles provide warm air to the interior through engine waste heat, usually using a hot water radiator to heat the air.
Braking System
New energy vehicles (electric vehicles)
Regenerative braking system: Electric vehicles are usually equipped with a regenerative braking system, which improves energy efficiency by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy and recharging the battery through the electric motor working in reverse.
Conventional Braking Systems: EVs are also equipped with conventional hydraulic braking systems (e.g. disc brakes) as a backup.
Fuel Vehicles
Traditional braking system: Fuel vehicles use a traditional hydraulic braking system, including brake discs and pads, which generate friction and consume energy during vehicle deceleration.
Auxiliary System
New Energy Vehicles (Electric Vehicles)
Intelligent electronic control system: Electric vehicles are usually equipped with more complex electronic control systems to manage battery status, power output, charging and energy recovery.
Automatic driving system: more and more EVs are equipped with advanced assisted driving (ADAS) functions, such as automatic driving and automatic parking.
Fuel Vehicles
Conventional assistance systems: Fuel vehicles are equipped with similar intelligent driver assistance systems, but their implementation in EVs is more complex and often relies on conventional engine and transmission operating conditions.
Summarizing
The components of an electric vehicle are usually simpler, more straightforward, and rely more on electronic control systems. Their electric motors replace traditional internal combustion engines and do not require traditional exhaust and fuel systems.
Fuel vehicles, on the other hand, rely on more complex components such as internal combustion engines, fuel systems, exhaust systems, and multi-gear transmissions, which are relatively more complex and more cumbersome to maintain and repair.
Electric vehicles have advantages in terms of energy efficiency, low emissions, and quietness, but their higher battery costs and range issues remain challenges today. Fuel vehicles, on the other hand, have advantages in terms of refueling convenience and range, but their emissions and energy efficiency are relatively low.