EV Electric Motors

Invented in 1823 by Samuel Brown, the first internal combustion engine sparked new possibilities for industrial development and inspiration among other engineers [1]. From 1830 to 1836 his innovation moved canal water in England, but lost operation after waterways were shut down by the London and Croydon Railway Act of 1835 [2]. Due to its limited capabilities, Brown’s design was retired and refined for multiple iterations by others such as Etienne Lenoir, George Brayton, and Nicholas Otto.

 Following the development of modern combustion engines capable of traveling long distances, mass production of gasoline-based automobiles soon followed. In 1908, Henry Ford released the widely affordable Model T convincing many that fossil fuels were the future of transportation [3]. While electric vehicles were invented well before this time, they had several drawbacks including slow recharging speeds, limited battery capacities, insufficient electric motors, expensive price tags, and more. Since the 1800’s, a lot has changed with passage of environmental legislation, battery advancements, motor improvements, charging infrastructure, and resulting shifts in consumer perspective.

With foundational contributions from several engineers including Michael Faraday (current induction via fluctuating magnetic fields), Hippolyte Pixii (DC motor), Zenobe Gramme (DC generator), and Nikola Tesla (AC induction motor), the first iteration used for EV transportation was implemented in 1891 by Frank Sprague [4].

While limited by poor energy efficiency at lesser RMPs and cooling difficulties at sustained payloads, Sprague’s induction motor was widely successful among streetcars and developed as an industry standard for several decades [5]. During this time, the permanent-magnet motor was introduced with a focus on overcoming the shortfalls of induction but saw low adoption due to its own issues. Rather than using a synthetic current to create rotating magnetic fields (RMF) and spin the stator encased rotor, naturally magnetic elements are built directly within the rotor’s core thereby increasing efficiency at lower speeds. Despite this, the magnets add excess weight in addition to increased manufacturing costs and generate excess heat when rotated at high speeds.

Most recently, brushed current-excited AC motors were introduced on an EV scale and work as a combination of both designs [5]. RMFs created by an electric current mimic low speed efficiencies of permanent magnets while using the same cost-effective materials as induction motors and achieving their high-speed efficiencies. Since this technology is relatively new with few implementations, real-world testing has yet to yield long-term drawbacks and possible design issues.

With respect to all engineers who’ve helped advance electric motor technology, it has come a long way since the 1800’s and allowed for otherwise impossible innovations. With every advancement away from internal combustion engines comes a step towards net zero emissions and a cleaner world for it.

[1]  S. Sabhadiya. “Invention of The Internal Combustion Engine – A Brief History.” https://www.theengineeringchoice.com/who-invented-the-internal-combustion-engine/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

[2]  “Croydon Canal.” https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Croydon_Canal (accessed January 24, 2025).

[3]  “The History of the Electric Car.” https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-electric-car (accessed January 24, 2025).

[4]  “History and Evolution of Electric Motors.” https://www.electricneutron.com/history-and-evolution-of-electric-motors/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

[5]  D. Edmunds “EV Motors Explained.” https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a39493798/ev-motors-explained/ (accessed January 24, 2025).

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