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How do electric cars lower the center of gravity? First, let’s take a look at how traction is improved. In-wheel motors help lower the center of gravity. Stability control and anti-braking features prevent the wheels from over-spinning, reducing power. The center of gravity is a key component of traction, so a lower center of gravity means better traction and safety. And, as a side benefit, electric vehicles are safer than their gas-powered counterparts.
In-wheel motors
The in-wheel motor is a type of electric vehicle that delivers torque directly to the wheels. It works similarly to a rear-wheel-drive car, but without the need for a differential. A rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a single engine that powers the rear wheels, and this engine also produces torque at the wheel hubs. However, the wheels must rotate at different speeds, and a mechanical device called a differential delivers torque to the wheels at different speeds.
Some companies are working on electric cars with in-wheel motors, including Elaphe, Nidec, and Protean. Another company, Aptera, is building an ultra-efficient EV with in-wheel motors. Aptera says that in-wheel motors reduce vehicle weight and energy consumption, and are aerodynamically beneficial. While the idea has merit, some people remain skeptical. One classic objection to in-wheel motors is that they add unsprung mass to the vehicle. In-wheel motors, however, can help reduce this, while making for a smooth ride.
Traditional friction brakes
Conventional friction brakes do not lower the center of gravity of electric cars. The mechanical parts of the braking system aren’t as powerful as the ones in a modern electric car. In addition to being less efficient, traditional brakes also waste energy. By contrast, the new regenerative braking system from Polestar will help the car’s center of gravity by lowering its center of mass.
Another important handling concept to keep in mind is inertia. Inertia is the resistance of a body in motion to change direction. Therefore, a vehicle must exert force to turn. This force is called centripetal force and it must exceed centrifugal force to cause a vehicle to turn. Unlike traditional friction brakes, inertia does not lower the center of gravity of electric cars.
Lower center of gravity
Electric cars have low centers of gravity. The motor and batteries are at the bottom of the car, which makes them less likely to roll over than front-heavy vehicles. They are also less likely to catch on fire or explode due to the lack of gasoline and the fact that the engine is further away from crash zones. While this is a significant benefit, it does mean a few things that must be considered when making a purchase.
The lower center of gravity of electric cars is possible thanks to the design of their wheels. The wheels are suspended by a suspension system. This suspension system has stiffness and damping coefficients that isolate the wheels and in-wheel motors. As a result, EVs have a lower center of gravity than their combustion counterparts. And, since they don’t have to worry about moving parts, the center of gravity is higher than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Safety
While the center of gravity of a gas-powered vehicle can make it difficult to turn around, an electric car’s lower center of mass makes it much easier to do. This lower center of gravity also improves the stability of the vehicle when it turns, reducing the risk of rolling over. In addition, because they have no gasoline, the electric motor is much less likely to catch fire, making them a safer choice.
EVs have many safety features built in to protect their occupants from a collision or short circuit. Their lower center of gravity and centered battery packs also make them more stable during a crash, making them safer than gas-powered vehicles. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid vehicles are safer in crashes than gas-powered vehicles. The odds of sustaining an injury while in an EV are 25 percent lower than those of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Range anxiety
One of the biggest concerns of electric car owners is range anxiety. While EVs offer a significant benefit, they can also cause anxiety for drivers, especially those who don’t have the option to charge their vehicle at home. Drivers can experience range anxiety when the battery runs out of juice and they are worried that they will be stranded. This fear can lead to delays, inconveniences, and increased stress during the journey.
EV drivers should plan their trips carefully and consider whether the distance they will cover will be sufficient. The average American will drive around 31 miles per day, so a car with a lower range will support the average day-to-day commute. The biggest causes of range anxiety, however, are long drives, finding charging stations, and timely recharging. While several EV models meet the 250-mile range standard, driving in winter will decrease the range. Cold weather slows chemical and physical reactions in battery cells, reducing their capacity.