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Q: What is an EV?
A: EV stands for Electric Vehicle. This can be any vehicle which uses electricity for propulsion / traction, including
fuel cell powered, solar powered, battery powered etc.
Q: What is a BOV?
A: BOV stands for Battery Operated Vehicle. It is just another name for EV. They store most or all of the electrical energy
needed chemically in batteries on the vehicle.
Q: What type of battery do most BOVs use?
A: Almost all BOVs use Lead-Acid Deep Cycle batteries.
Q: What are some advantages of BOVs?
A: They are clean and quiet. They don't emit any odours or toxic gases. They can be powered from any source of electricity
making them independent on oil or any other fossil fuel. The drive system is simple. They are easier than gasoline/diesel
vehicles to maintain.
Q: What makes an EV go?
A: Electrical energy is converted to motion by an electric motor. Most EVs use a low-voltage DC motor.
Q: What controls the speed?
A: The motor power is almost always controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation) done by semiconductors in a Controller
unit.
Q: How do you "fuel up"?
A: The batteries have to be recharged when the stored level of electrical energy goes down. Recharging the batteries requires
a charger that usually plugs into a 240 Volt AC mains wall socket. Most EVs take several hours to charge, usually between
6 to 10 hrs.
Q: Do the batteries ever need to be replaced?
A: Yes, after anywhere between 15 to 30 months, depending on usage.
Q: What is the life of a set of batteries?
A: A VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery pack will last for a minimum of 250 full cycles of recharging. Most of them
will live for 300 and above cycles. At an average range of 40 kms per charge-cycle, they will last for 12,000 kms. Beyond
that, they can be flogged to perform, but the range will be very low.
Q: Are there not better batteries than VRLA type?
A: Yes, there are many advanced technology batteries - like Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4),
Lithium Polymer and so on. They have much better energy density, higher storage of energy much shorter recharging times and
much lighter in weight - but, highly expensive right now (5 to 10 times that of VRLA).
Q: Does it matter if I leave the batteries discharged?
A: Well no. It is best to keep lead-acid batteries completely charged, but they will be okay if they are left for short
periods discharged.
Q: Do I need to drain the batteries completely to prevent a memory effect?
A: No. Lead-acid batteries do not have any memory effect, and draining them down completely dead can damage them.
Q: My battery has died. Can I drain and refill the electrolyte to restore it?
A: No, because the active material inside the battery is depleted. Sometimes adding water will help if the electrolyte
level is low.
Q: Why did the SLI batteries for my golf cart/other EV die so quickly?
A: SLI (starter lighting ignition) lead-acid batteries are not designed for deep cycle use, and should never be considered
for a BOV unless you have old batteries for testing.
Q: Can I use a generator to generate the electricity needed that is driven from a wheel?
A: No, because some energy will be lost in the process. Perpetual motion is not possible.
Q: Can I use a windmill on the vehicle to generate the electricity needed while driving?
A: No, see above. You can however use a windmill to charge the vehicle while it is parked.
Q: Can I cover my EV with solar panels and drive forever in the sun, like solar cars do?
A: Not really because the energy generated from the panels will not be nearly enough. Solar cars are extremely light,
aerodynamic, and efficient.
Q: Can I cover my EV with solar panels to charge it?
A: You can, but the energy generated from the panels will most likely not be enough.
Q: Why is the rated hp of my EV motor so low?
A: Motors are rated at their continuous output power, and can peak 2-4 times that. They also produce full torque at start-up.
Additionally, with a direct drive setup, they suffer no losses from a clutch or torque converter. Whereas, in gasoline fired
or other vehicles, the engine power is transmitted to the wheels through a transmission system, resulting in heavy losses
on the way. So, the engine has to develop at least 4 times the power required.
Q: I noticed that capacitors have a very high cycle life. Can I use them instead of batteries?
A: Not really. Ultra-capacitors have a very low specific energy compared to lead-acid batteries. They are also very expensive
for the amount of energy storage.
Q: Can I use a starter motor to power a small EV?
A: Starter motors are not recommended because they are not designed to run continuously. They are also not very efficient,
although they can work.
Q: Can I use a car alternator for an EV?
A: It would be difficult to do because an alternator does not have a commutator and will not run on DC.
Q: I heard that some battery technology can offer a 200 kms range, be charged in 5 min, and last for a 2000 cycles! Where
can I get it?
A: It is much easier to make claims than deliver results. Don't trust them.
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