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Chapter 13: Autonomous and Connected Electric Vehicles

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Abstract : Autonomous and Connected Electric Vehicles (ACEVs or  CASE  vehicles: Connected, Autonomous, Electric, Shared)  merge self-driving AI with electric power and constant data exchange (V2X) for safer, greener, more efficient transport, reducing emissions, optimizing traffic, and offering new shared mobility models , though high costs and complex tech integration remain challenges, say  futuremobilitymedia.events ,  i GET IT by Tata Technologies , NobleProg Nepal,  GovTech ,  SWITCH - Street WITCHer . These vehicles use sensors and networks to "see" and communicate, making driving decisions without human input for better urban mobility and sustainability.   Key Components & How They Work Autonomous (Self-Driving):  AI and sensors (cameras, lidar, radar) perceive the environment, enabling the car to navigate, steer, brake, and accelerate without human intervention, progressing through levels of automation. Connected (V2X...

Chapter 12: Electric Vehicle Safety, Standards, and Regulations

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Abstract: Electric Vehicle (EV) safety standards and regulations ensure protection from electrical hazards, crashes, and fire, covering battery safety, charging systems, and powertrain components through international (ISO, IEC, UNECE) and national bodies (BIS in India) setting mandatory rules and voluntary guidelines like  ISO 26262, AIS-156, IS 18590/18606, and UN R100 for vehicles, batteries, and chargers , certified by agencies like ARAI/ICAT to build consumer trust.   Key Areas of Standards & Regulations: Battery Safety:  Focuses on preventing thermal runaway, fires, and explosions through tests for short circuits, overcharging, and thermal propagation (e.g.,  ARAI's AIS-156 amendment  and  ISO 6469  ). Electrical Safety:  Protects users from electric shock through insulation, isolation monitoring, and safe charging interfaces (e.g., UNECE R100 and BIS IS 17017 ). Powertrain  & Components:  Standards like India's...

Chapter 11: Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Analysis of Electric Vehicles

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Abstract:  Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally have lower  life cycle  greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than  Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles  (ICEVs) , especially as electricity grids decarbonize, but their manufacturing, particularly batteries, creates higher initial impacts (metals, minerals, human toxicity). Key factors are the energy mix for charging (cleaner grid = lower impact), battery production efficiency, recycling/repurposing, and vehicle usage patterns. While EVs excel in reducing operational emissions, optimizing battery tech, grid cleanliness, and closing the loop on battery materials are crucial for maximizing their overall sustainability.   Key Findings from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) Production Phase (High Impact for EVs): Battery manufacturing (mining, processing materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel) significantly increases an EV's initial carbon footprint and demand for metals/minerals, making its production phase more i...

Chapter 10: Electric Vehicle Charging Economics, Policies, and Incentives

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Abstract : EV charging economics, policies, and incentives  focus on boosting adoption through subsidies (FAME II, state-level), tax breaks (GST cuts on EVs), and infrastructure support (capital subsidies for stations, land, reduced electricity rates) . Policies aim for grid integration, standardized fast charging, and private investment, balancing upfront costs with long-term viability, though challenges like inverted GST on batteries remain, impacting swapping services.   Key Economic Factors & Challenges High Upfront Costs:  Developing charging infrastructure (hardware, grid connection) requires significant investment. GST Inverted Duty :  Higher GST (18%) on batteries and charging services compared to EVs (5%) creates financial hurdles for battery swapping and new setups. Grid Integration:  Seamlessly connecting many chargers to the grid is a major technical and financial challenge. Private Investment:  Viability depends heavily on attra...

Chapter 9: Thermal Management Systems in Electric Vehicles

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Abstract:  An EV Thermal Management System (TMS) is  a complex network of cooling/heating loops (liquid, refrigerant, air) that maintains optimal temperatures for the battery, motor, and power electronics , crucial for performance, range, longevity, and safety by preventing overheating or performance loss in cold/hot conditions, often using heat pumps, valves, and heat exchangers to manage heat flow intelligently.    Key Components & Functions: Battery Cooling/Heating:   Prevents thermal runaway (overheating) and ensures efficiency in cold weather by heating cells.   Motor/Inverter Cooling:   Keeps the e-drive components within their ideal temperature range for maximum power and lifespan.   Cabin Climate Control :   Integrates with AC/heating to provide passenger comfort.   Coolant Loops:   Often uses multiple circuits (e.g., separate for battery, motor) that can switch between serial (heat sharing) and parallel (ind...

Chapter 8: Power Electronics and Controllers in Electric Vehicles

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Abstract : Power electronics (PE) and controllers are  the "brains" and "muscles" of EVs, managing energy flow from the high-voltage battery to the motor, converting power forms (DC to AC, high to low voltage), regulating speed/torque, and enabling functions like regenerative braking, crucial for efficiency, performance, and safety via components like inverters, DC-DC converters, and motor controllers .   Key Power Electronics Components Inverter :  Converts high-voltage DC from the battery into three-phase AC power needed by the electric motor. DC-DC Converter :  Steps down high-voltage DC to low-voltage DC (e.g., 12V) for vehicle accessories (lights, AC, infotainment) and to recharge the auxiliary battery. Onboard Charger :  Converts incoming AC from the grid (at home or a station) to DC for battery charging. Power Electronics Controller (PEC) :  Manages all these converters, interpreting driver input (pedals) and sensor data to control motor ...