PhD Thesis - Cranfield University

Chapter 1
EV
Charge Depleting
Energy Storage Unit
12
Traction
Motor
Series
Drive
Train
Figure 1.1 Electric Vehicle drive-train representation
1.3 Background on Electric Vehicles
The development process of the Electric Vehicle (EV) is interesting, as the first documented
invention of an EV dates back to 1834 [1]. Due to the lack of technology, primarily for
electrochemical storage units, the interest in EVs gradually diminished and ceased to receive
any attention after 1920. In the early 1970s, circumstances changed in favour of the EV
concept due to the dramatic increase in petroleum prices. Compelled by the Arab oil trade
embargo of 1973, which resulted in an enormous energy crisis, exploration into alternate
energy sources was initiated [3]. This eventually lead to the US Congress formation of the
‘Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act’ of 1976 (US
Public Law 94-413) [2].
Since then, governments and research communities worldwide have embraced the
importance of EV research. In 1997 for example, The United States Department of Energy
and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding on
electric vehicle research. Global transition towards eco-friendly vehicles will contribute to
reduction in urban pollution caused by internal combustion engines (ICE) but the
changeover will depend on the satisfactory performance of EVs. Although the ICE has
significantly evolved over the years and toxic emissions of modern engines have greatly
reduced, whenever there is an apparent fuel crisis, EV technology sees a renewed interest.
Environmental awareness and energy concerns in the last decade have, for first time since
the EV introduction, imposed a threat to ICE vehicles [3].