Electric Vehicle Research: Need, Opportunities, and Challenges

Abstract

Green engineering, by and large, refers to design practices that ensure reduced pollution, depletion of natural resources, and nonbiodegradable waste while maintaining sustainability. In this context, electric vehicles for transportation is an indispensable topic seeking serious attention for the welfare of life on this planet. Electric vehicles are well appreciated for their zero emission and environment-friendly characteristics when compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle. This chapter is a sincere effort to cover the fundamental aspects that a beginner researcher should be aware of in the field of electric vehicle research. The chapter begins with an overview of the electric vehicle in terms of its components, and a comparison between popular electric vehicle models that are currently available in Indian market. Need and relevance are elaborated, highlighting the advantage of using electric vehicles as a primary transport mode. Sustainability aspects and the relation with electric vehicles have been detailed too. Furthermore, embedded system concepts, modelling, and design topics with emphasis on electric vehicles are discussed. Different research areas and testing approaches are explained from a system-engineering point of view. Finally, the safety aspects in an electric vehicle are briefly touched upon as well.