The National Institute of Engineering

(An Autonomous Institute under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)

REPORT ON
Electric Vehicles And Mobility
Course Name: Elements of Mechanical Engineering
Course Code: BEMEM203 -A Section
Academic Year:2024-25

Submitted By
Raunak Singh Jolly
Reg No: 4NI24ME073
Course Instructor: Mr. Santoshkumar

DEPARTMENT OF
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
NIE, MYSURU- 08

May 2025
https://coursera.org/share/4b47a59e46ef085342a42e2362a676db
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction 2
1.1 Background and Motivation 3

1.2 Scope of This Report 4

1.3 Report Organization 5

2. Fundamental of Electric Vehicles And Mobility 6

3. EV Powertrain Architectures 7
3.1 Fundamental Components 7

3.2 Configuration Types 7

3.3 Performance Metrics 8

4. Battery Technology & Management Systems 9
4.1 Battery Cell Chemistries 9

4.2 Battery Pack Design 9

4.3 Battery Management System (BMS) 10

5. Electric Machines & Power Electronics 11

5.1 Electric Motor Technologies 11

5.2 Power Electronics Interfaces 11

5.3 Control Strategies 12

6. Charging Infrastructure & Grid Interaction 13

6.1 Charging Standards & Levels 13

6.2 Smart Charging & V2G 13

6.3 Impact on Grid Stability 14

7. Mobility Ecosystems & Policy 15

7.1 Shared Mobility Models 15

7.2 Regulatory Frameworks 15

 7.3 Business & Revenue Models 16

8. Case Studies 17
8.1 Tesla Model 3 Powertrain Analysis 17

8.2 Nissan LEAF Grid-Smart Charging Pilot 17

9. Summary, Contributions, and Future Scope 18

9.1 Summary of Key Findings 18

9.2 Contributions of This Report 18

9.3 Scope for Further Work 19

10. List of Figures and Tables 20

11.Conclusion 23
12.References 24
 ABSTRACT
Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the vanguard of a global mobility revolution, promising to
decarbonize transportation, ease urban air pollution, and reshape energy systems. This
report, based on the Coursera “Electric Vehicles & Mobility” program (Batch 2024 –28),
synthesizes eight chapters of technical foundations, system architectures, and ecosystem
insights.

Beginning with an overview of EV motivations and program scope, it proceeds through in -

depth treatments of powertrain topologies, battery chemistries and management, electric
machines and power electronics, and charging infrastructure with grid interaction . It then
explores emerging mobility business models and policy frameworks before illustrating real -
world case studies—Tesla’s powertrain & Supercharger network, and Nissan’s V2G pilot in
the Netherlands.

Finally, it distills key findings and charts future research directions in solid -state batteries,
aggregated vehicle storage services, and AI -driven optimization. By weaving engineering
rigor with policy analysis and practical examples, this report equips engineers,
policymakers, and entrepreneurs to advance EV adoption and build resilient, low -carbon
mobility systems

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 INTRODUCTION
The global automotive industry is undergoing its most rapid transformation since the dawn
of mass motorization, driven by the urgent need to curb greenhouse -gas emissions and the
maturation of electric-drive technologies.

In the face of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations that have reached historic highs,
governments, cities, and corporations are racing to electrify transport fleets, develop fast -
charging networks, and integrate renewables with mobility. The Coursera “Electric V ehicles
& Mobility” program offers a structured, multidisciplinary curriculum that spans the physics
of lithium-ion batteries, the control of power inverters, and the economic and regulatory
levers shaping EV deployment.

Over eight chapters, learners gain hands -on exposure to battery management algorithms,
simulate load impacts on distribution grids, and analyze ZEV mandates across geographies.
This introduction maps out the report’s organization —starting with the fundamental
components and configurations of EV powertrains (Chapter 2), delving into battery
technologies and BMS (Chapter 3), then examining electric motor designs alongside inverter
and converter topologies (Chapter 4). Building on that technical baseline, Chap ter 5
addresses charging standards, smart -charging paradigms, and vehicle-to-grid integration;
Chapter 6 surveys shared-mobility models, incentive schemes, and charging -as-a-service;
Chapter 7 presents two flagship case studies; and Chapter 8 synthesizes i nsights,
contributions, and directions for future research.

Together, these chapters form a cohesive narrative: from electrons in a cell to electrons
flowing back to the grid, and from individual vehicle dynamics to systemic mobility
platforms.

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 1.1 Background and Motivation
The global transportation sector stands at a critical crossroads. With road vehicles
responsible for nearly 20% of greenhouse -gas emissions worldwide, the urgent need to
decarbonize has never been clearer. Electric vehicles (EVs) promise a transformative
solution: by replacing internal-combustion engines with electric drivetrains, they can
effectively eliminate tailpipe emissions, reduce noise pollution, and improve urban air
quality. Advances in lithium-ion battery chemistry over the past two decades have driven
energy-density gains of roughly 10% per annum, lowering cost per kilowatt -hour by more
than 80% since 2010. At the same time, improvements in power -electronics hardware and
control algorithms have increased drivetrain efficiency, enabling vehicles t o achieve driving
ranges that rival or even exceed those of conventional petrol or diesel counterparts.

Beyond the environmental imperative, EVs also offer profound economic and strategic
benefits. Lower operating costs, driven by the higher efficiency of electric motors and the
relative stability of electricity prices, can translate into savings for end use rs ranging from
urban commuters to logistics fleets. Reduced dependence on imported oil enhances national
energy security, while the electrification of mobility dovetails with the broader
digitalization of the grid, enabling new services such as vehicle -to-grid (V2G) integration
and demand-response. In parallel, evolving consumer preferences, especially among
younger demographics—favor the seamless, connected experiences that EV platforms can
deliver, from over-the-air software updates to integrated smartph one connectivity.

Taken together, these drivers have spurred governments, automakers, and technology
companies to marshal unprecedented resources toward EV development. Policymakers
worldwide are setting ambitious targets: some jurisdictions aim for 100% zero -emission
new-vehicle sales by mid-century. In this context, understanding the underlying

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technologies, system architectures, and emerging mobility models is essential not only for
engineers and researchers but also for planners, policymakers, and business leaders seeking
to navigate and shape the electrified mobility landscape.

1.2 Scope of This Report

This report synthesizes the core knowledge and practical insights gained from the Coursera
program “Electric Vehicles & Mobility” (Batch 2024 –28). It bridges fundamental
engineering principles with real -world applications and emerging industry trends. Cove ring
five major domains powertrain architectures, battery technologies, electric machines and
power electronics, charging infrastructure, and mobility ecosystems the report aims to serve
as a comprehensive primer for both technical and non -technical stakeholders.

Within each domain, we begin by establishing the theoretical foundations: for example, the
physics behind traction motors or the electrochemistry of lithium -ion cells. We then delve
into design considerations and trade -offs: thermal management in battery p acks, inverter
topologies in drivetrain control, and grid -integration challenges for rapid charging
networks. Finally, we explore holistic system perspectives, examining how individual
components and subsystems interact within vehicles and across broader m obility
frameworks. Throughout, we integrate case studies such as analyses of flagship vehicles and
pioneering pilot projects to illustrate how theory translates into practice.

By maintaining a balanced focus on both depth and breadth, this report caters to a diverse
audience: mechanical and electrical engineers seeking technical rigor; product managers
and startup founders exploring market opportunities; and policymakers and urb an planners
assessing the implications of large-scale EV adoption. While the primary lens is
engineering-centric, cross-cutting themes such as sustainability, business models, and
regulatory frameworks underscore the multifaceted nature of the electrified -mobility
revolution.

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 1.3 Report Organization
To guide the reader through this expansive field, the report is structured into eight chapters,
each corresponding to a key thematic module from the Coursera program:

Chapter 2: EV Powertrain Architectures Introduces core components (traction motors,

battery packs, inverters), explores BEV, HEV, and PHEV configurations, and defines
performance metrics such as efficiency, regenerative braking impact, and range
optimization.

Chapter 3: Battery Technology & Management Systems Examines cell chemistries (LFP,
NMC, emerging solid-state), delves into pack design and thermal controls, and details BMS
functions for state-of-charge and state-of-health estimation.

Chapter 4: Electric Machines & Power Electronics Surveys motor technologies (PMSM,
induction) and power-electronics interfaces (DC–DC converters, inverter topologies),
concluding with advanced control strategies like field -oriented control and torque vectoring.

Chapter 5: Charging Infarastructure & Grid Interaction Covers charging standards (AC
Level 1/2; DC fast charging), smart -charging paradigms (demand response, V2G), and grid -
stability considerations in high -penetration scenarios.

Chapter 6: Mobility Ecosystems & Policy Investigates shared -mobility platforms, micro-
mobility services, emissions regulations, incentive structures, and innovative business
models such as Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS).

Chapter 7: Case Studies Presents in -depth reviews of representative implementations,

including Tesla Model 3’s powertrain architecture and the Nissan LEAF V2G pilot,
extracting lessons learned and best practices.

Chapter 8: Summary, Contributions, and Future Scope Synthesizes insights, highlights

report contributions, and outlines research directions, from solid -state batteries to AI-driven
optimization and scalable grid integration

This logical progression from component fundamentals to system -level perspectives and
real-world examples ensures that readers can both drill down into specific technical areas
and appreciate the broader mobility ecosystem in which electric vehicles ope rate.

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2

FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND

MOBILITY
Electric Vehicles (EVs) mark a major shift in transportation, replacing internal combustion
engines with electric drivetrains powered by batteries. This enables cleaner, quieter, and
more efficient mobility, while opening doors to smart, connected transport systems.

Key Components:

Battery Pack: Stores energy, usually lithium -ion based, determining range and performance.

Electric Motor: Converts electric energy into motion; common types include PMSM and
induction motors.

Power Electronics: Manage energy flow through inverters and converters.

Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors battery health, temperature, and safety.

Regenerative Braking: Recovers braking energy, improving overall efficiency.

Types of EVs:

BEV: Fully electric, zero tailpipe emissions.

HEV: Combines electric drive and ICE, charges internally.

PHEV: Plug-in capable with short electric-only range.

FCEV: Uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity onboard.

Efficiency & Role in Mobility

EVs offer over 80% efficiency, far exceeding ICE vehicles. With features like vehicle -to-
grid (V2G), real-time diagnostics, and autonomous readiness, EVs are not just vehicles —
they’re platforms for the future of mobility.

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3

EV POWERTRAIN ARCHITECTURES
3.1 Fundamental Components
At the heart of every electric vehicle lies a triad of core hardware: the traction motor, the
battery pack, and the power-electronics inverter. The traction motor whether a permanent -
magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), an induction machine, or a switched -reluctance design
converts electrical energy into mechanical torque with efficiencies often exceeding 90
percent. Its rotor topology and winding configuration determine torque density, thermal
dissipation pathways, and cost. The battery pack, typically compose d of hundreds to
thousands of lithium-ion cells arranged in series -parallel arrays, serves as both the energy
reservoir and a dynamic load for the vehicle; its architecture dictates voltage, capacity, and
thermal management strategies. Meanwhile, the inver ter bridges the DC bus of the battery
to the motor’s three-phase AC, executing high-frequency switching (via IGBTs or SiC
MOSFETs) to precisely modulate phase currents for speed and torque control. In this
chapter, we dissect each component’s mechanical an d electrical design considerations,
examine tradeoffs between size, power density, and cost, and introduce the control
algorithms vector control, direct torque control that underpin motor operation.

3.2 Configuration Types

Electric-drive systems are packaged into three dominant configurations: Battery Electric
Vehicles (BEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Plug -in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
(PHEVs). BEVs rely solely on their on -board battery to power one or more electri c motors,
achieving zero tailpipe emissions and delivering instant torque. Their architecture is often
optimized for range balancing battery capacity, vehicle mass, and aerodynamic drag. HEVs,
by contrast, integrate a smaller battery and motor with a conve ntional internal-combustion
engine; energy management strategies orchestrate when to harvest regenerative braking
energy, when to run the engine at its most efficient operating points, and when to blend or
decouple power sources. PHEVs extend HEV principle s by adding plug-in charging
capability, allowing meaningful all -electric range (20–80 km) for daily commutes while
retaining combustion backup for long journeys. This subsection unpacks the topology
diagrams of series, parallel, and power-split hybrids, compares their energy flows, and
quantifies efficiency and emissions benefits under standard drive cycles.
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 3.3 Performance Metrics
Designers evaluate EV powertrains against a suite of performance metrics that encompass
energy efficiency, regenerative-braking effectiveness, and range under diverse load profiles.
Energy efficiency is measured from the battery’s DC output to wheel thrust , accounting for
inverter losses, motor winding resistance, and mechanical drag in gearboxes and bearings.
Regenerative-braking impact assesses how much kinetic energy can be recaptured during
deceleration often limited by motor/inverter thermal limits and battery-charge-acceptance
rates. Range estimation combines pack usable energy, vehicle curb weight, rolling
resistance, aerodynamic drag, and driving patterns (urban vs. highway). This subsection
presents quantitative methods such as the SAE J1634 test cy cles for benchmarking
consumption (Wh/km), introduces simulation tools for driving -cycle analysis, and discusses
the influence of ambient temperature on both battery performance and motor efficiency.

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4

BATTERY TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

4.1 Battery Cell Chemistries
The quest for higher energy density, faster charging, and longer cycle life has driven rapid
evolution in lithium-ion chemistries. Today’s mainstream EVs predominantly use nickel -
manganese-cobalt (NMC) variants, which balance energy density (200 –260 Wh/kg), power
capability, and longevity; lithium -iron-phosphate (LFP) cells trade somewhat lower energy
density (90–160 Wh/kg) for superior thermal stability and cycle life, making them attractive
for cost-sensitive applications. Emerging solid -state batteries promise to replace liquid
electrolytes with solid ceramic or polymer media, potentially doubling energy density and
enhancing safety by eliminating flammable solvents. In this section, we compare electrode
materials’ voltage profiles, internal resistance ch aracteristics, and failure modes such as
dendrite formation in high-voltage cells and evaluate lifecycle tradeoffs, including calendar
aging and depth-of-discharge effects on State-of-Health.

4.2 Battery Pack Design

Beyond cell chemistry, pack -level engineering shapes an EV’s performance envelope.
Module architectures group cells into manageable subassemblies, enabling efficient thermal
conduction via aluminum bus bars or integrated liquid -coolant cold plates. Thermal
management strategies range from passive conduction to active liquid or refrigerant loops,
with temperature uniformity targets of ±3 °C across the pack to avoid local hotspots that
accelerate degradation. Mechanical packaging must withstand crash loads, v ibration spectra
from potholes to armored-vehicle transport, and environmental sealing to prevent moisture
ingress. This subsection details pack modeling approaches electrical equivalent circuits for
SOC estimation, thermal finite-element analyses for heat-flow prediction and explores
tradeoffs between pack mass, volumetric energy density, and thermal control complexity.

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 4.3 Battery Management System (BMS)
The BMS is the pack’s software-and-hardware sentinel, tasked with real -time SOC (State-
Of-Charge) estimation, SOH (State-Of-Health) monitoring, cell balancing, and fault
diagnostics. Accurate SOC algorithms blend coulomb counting with open -circuit voltage
models and impedance spectroscopy to minimize drift over time. Cell -balancing circuits
whether passive bleed resistors or active energy -shuttling DC-DC converters ensure uniform
cell voltages, preventing under- or over-charging that can irreversibly damage cells. Safety
subsystems continuously monitor voltage, current, and temperature, instantly isolating the
pack via contactors upon detecting overvoltage, overcurrent, or thermal runaway signatures.
This subsection examines embedded -firmware architectures, CAN-bus communication
protocols, and redundancy schemes mandated by functional -safety standards such as ISO
26262.

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5

ELECTRIC MACHINES & POWER ELECTRONICS

5.1 Electric Motor Technologies
Two motor families predominate in EVs: permanent -magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs)
and three-phase induction machines. PMSMs leverage rare -earth magnets to produce high
torque density and efficiency across wide speed ranges, but incur material costs and
necessitate careful thermal demagnetization management. Induction motors, as championed
by Tesla in its early roadsters, eschew permanent magnets for rotor cages that induce
currents magnetically; while slightly less efficient at low load, they avoid rare -earth supply
risks and tolerate higher temperatures. A third contender switched -reluctance motors offers
simple, robust construction and high-speed capability but demands sophisticated current -
control algorithms to smooth torque ripple. This section delves i nto equivalent-circuit
models, flux‐weakening strategies for high -speed operation, and design optimizations for
lamination materials to minimize core losses .

5.2 Power Electronics Interfaces

The inverter is the power-electronics linchpin that converts DC from the battery to three -
phase AC for the motor, and under regenerative braking routes energy back into the battery.
Contemporary inverters use wide -bandgap devices (silicon carbide MOSFETs or gallium -
nitride transistors) to switch at higher frequencies with lower losses than legacy silicon
IGBTs. DC–DC converters step down high-voltage bus voltages (300–800 V) to 12 V or 48
V auxiliary systems and isolate on-board chargers. Inverter topologies two -level, three-level
neutral-point-clamped, or flying-capacitor balance switching complexity against voltage
stress and harmonic content. This subsection reviews modulation schemes (SVPWM, space -
vector PWM), thermal management in compact modules, and emerging silicon -carbide half-
bridge packages that enable >50 kW power density.

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 5.3 Control Strategies
Advanced control algorithms underpin precise torque delivery, efficiency optimization, and
fault tolerance. Field-oriented control (FOC) decouples torque and flux components in the
motor’s rotating reference frame, enabling decoupled PI controllers to regu late currents as
if driving a DC motor. Direct-torque control (DTC) bypasses current loops, using hysteresis
comparators for rapid torque response at the expense of higher ripple. Torque -vectoring
strategies split drive torque among multiple axles or motor s in all-wheel-drive EVs,
enhancing handling and traction. This subsection outlines stability margins, sensor -less
control via back-EMF estimation, and software architectures that meet automotive real -time
and safety integrity requirements.

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6

CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE & GRID INTERACTION

6.1 Charging Standards & Levels
Electric vehicle charging systems adhere to internationally recognized “level”
classifications to streamline deployment and consumer expectations. Level 1 charging,
using a standard household outlet at roughly 120 VAC and 12 –16 A, delivers 1.4–1.9 kW of
power, equating to 5–8 miles of range per hour suitable primarily for overnight residential
charging when grid constraints and vehicle availability permit. Level 2 charging elevates
voltage to 208–240 VAC at currents from 16 A to 80 A, enabling 3.3 –19 kW delivery; these
stations, often installed in workplaces, public lots, and multifamily dwellings, replenish 20 –
100 miles of range per hour and are governed by connector standards like SAE J1772 (North
America) or Mennekes Type 2 (Europe). When time is of the e ssence during long trips or
fleet operations DC fast chargers bypass the vehicle’s on -board AC charger altogether,
feeding high-voltage DC directly at 50–350 kW. The Combined Charging System (CCS) has
emerged as the de facto global standard, pairing high -power DC with AC port backward
compatibility, while CHAdeMO and GB/T remain prevalent in Asia. Deploying ultra -fast
chargers demands not only robust thermal conditioning within the vehicle (battery pre -
conditioning to 25–45 °C) but also significant grid upg rades: substations, step-down
transformers, and local distribution reinforcements to handle multi -megawatt peaks.

6.2 Smart Charging & Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

The evolution from passive to active charging paradigms transforms EVs into dynamic grid
assets. Smart chargers equipped with bidirectional communication interfaces (OCPP, ISO
15118) can modulate charging power in real -time according to utility signals, ti me-of-use
tariffs, or aggregated renewable generation forecasts. By shifting charging windows to off -
peak hours or delaying to periods of surplus solar or wind output, EVs mitigate distribution
constraints and reduce electricity costs for owners. In vehicl e-to-grid (V2G) mode, the same
bidirectional power electronics discharge stored energy back into the grid during peak
demand or ancillary service events. Pilot programs in Europe and Japan have shown that
fleets of aggregated EVs can provide frequency regu lation, voltage support, and even black -
start capabilities, earning revenue streams that offset vehicle ownership costs.

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However, widespread V2G adoption hinges on harmonized standards for safety, billing, and
battery-life compensation, as well as business models that equitably share value between
utilities, aggregators, and vehicle owners.

6.3 Impact on Grid Stability & Renewable Integration

As EV penetration ramps toward 20–30 percent of total vehicle fleets in many regions, their
collective load and storage capacities become critical factors in grid stability and renewable
integration. Distribution utilities increasingly rely on load -forecasting tools that ingest
geographic travel patterns, charger usage data, and demographic models to anticipate
transformer loading, phase imbalances, and potential voltage excursions. Advanced
distribution-management systems, coupled with geographic informati on systems (GIS),
enable planners to strategically site high -power chargers and deploy on-site energy storage
or solar canopies to smooth peaks. Furthermore, by co -locating PV installations with EV
charging stations and orchestrating charging via local ene rgy-management systems,
operators can maximize the use of clean generation reducing curtailment and lowering the
carbon intensity of each kilometer traveled. Ultimately, EVs promise to serve as mobile
storage buffers, smoothing the inherent variability of solar and wind and advancing the
transition to a low-carbon, resilient grid.

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7

MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS & POLICY

7.1 Shared Mobility Models
Electrification not only alters vehicle powertrains but also catalyzes new mobility
paradigms that integrate seamlessly with urban lifestyles. Ride -hailing fleets operated by
major platforms are rapidly transitioning to electric sedans and SUVs to leverage lower
operating costs per mile, avoid regulatory penalties, and market a zero -emission service.
Scaling these fleets requires depot -style fast-charging hubs, sophisticated fleet-management
software for dynamic dispatch, and predictive maintenance schedule s informed by
telematics. Meanwhile, micro-mobility solutions dockless e-scooters and e-bikes offer agile
last-mile connectivity in dense urban cores. Their lightweight batteries and swappable
modules demand micro-charging stations or mobile refurbishment teams, along with
curbside management policies to prevent clutter. Integrating these modes into Mobility -as-
a-Service (MaaS) platforms enables users to plan, book, and pay for multimodal journeys in
a single app, optimizing for cost, time, or carbon footpr int.

7.2 Regulatory Frameworks & Incentives

Policy levers are indispensable for accelerating the shift to electric mobility. Zero -Emission
Vehicle (ZEV) mandates in California, Europe’s CO₂ fleet -average targets, and China’s New
Energy Vehicle quotas compel automakers to achieve escalating sales of battery-electric
and fuel-cell vehicles, under penalty systems that impose fines or require credit banking.
On the demand side, purchase subsidies ranging from direct rebates to tax -credit schemes
lower the upfront cost barrier for consumers, while non -monetary incentives such as HOV-
lane access, reduced parking fees, and municipal privileges further sweeten the value
proposition. Utilities complement these measures with special EV tariffs time -of-use rates
that reward off-peak charging and investment in pu blic charging infrastructure funded
through rider surcharges or rate -base recovery, ensuring equitable access across income
levels and geographies.

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 7.3 Business & Revenue Models
Electrification spawns novel commercial constructs that decouple vehicle ownership from
mobility services and energy provision. Charging -as-a-Service (CaaS) providers install,
finance, and operate charging stations for fleets and individuals under subscription or pay -
per-use models, bundling hardware inst allation, network management, utility -billing
integration, and maintenance. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) aggregators, meanwhile, curate
multimodal transport options public transit, ride -hail, bike-share into subscription tiers that
may include unlimited urban rides, guaranteed EV-taxi availability, and bundled charging
credits. These platforms monetize through revenue -shares, data analytics services to city
planners, and dynamic pricing algorithms that balance network demand. As vehicles
themselves become rolling data-nodes, OEMs explore over-the-air software updates,
predictive maintenance subscriptions, and energy -management services as recurring-
revenue streams.

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8

CASE STUDIES
8.1 Tesla Model 3 Powertrain & Charging Network
Tesla’s Model 3 exemplifies integrated hardware -software co-design in modern EVs. Under
its sleek bodywork lies a permanent -magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) coupled to a
single-speed reduction gearbox, delivering peak efficiencies above 93 percent. The 2170 -
cell cylindrical battery pack, assembled in 46 modules, employs an active liquid -cooling
loop to maintain cell temperatures within a 25 –40 °C band critical for sustaining high C -
rate charging. On the electronics side, Tesla’s silicon -carbide-enhanced inverters switch at
20 kHz, minimizing conduction and switching losses. Paired with regenerative braking
capable of 70 kW peak return, the powertrain achieves an EPA -rated range of up to 353
miles. Complementing the vehicle, Tesla’s Supercharger V3 network del ivers up to 250 kW
per stall, leveraging 1,000 V megawatt -scale power cabinets and liquid -cooled cables.
Integrated navigation pre-conditions battery temperature en route, ensuring consistent fast -
charge performance and reducing station dwell time.

8.2 Nissan LEAF Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot

In the Netherlands, a consortium led by Nissan and The Mobility House deployed 100 Nissan
LEAFs equipped with CHAdeMO bidirectional charging interfaces in a V2G demonstration.
Each vehicle, with a 40 kWh battery, provided up to 10 kW back to the grid durin g evening
peak periods. Over six months, the aggregation delivered 2 MW of frequency -regulation
capacity, with participating owners earning an average of €300 annually offsetting roughly
15 percent of their charging costs. Communication adhered to ISO 1511 8 standards,
enabling seamless handshake, authentication, and power -transfer negotiation. Key findings
underscored the need for standardized compensation schemes to account for battery -
degradation costs and for regulatory clarity around second -use-battery warranties.

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9

SUMMARY, CONTRIBUTIONS, AND FUTURE SCOPE

9.1 Summary of Key Findings
The “Electric Vehicles & Mobility” program reveals that the transition to electrified
transport hinges on concurrent advances in three domains: (1) powertrain and battery
technology where higher energy‐density chemistries, wide -bandgap inverters, and
sophisticated motor controls push efficiency beyond 90 percent; (2) charging and grid
integration where smart-charging protocols and V2G capabilities transform vehicles into
mobile storage assets that stabilize renewable -rich grids; and (3) mobility ecosystems and
policy where ZEV mandates, financial incentives, and novel business -model constructs like
CaaS and MaaS align stakeholder interests. Only by weaving technical innovation with
regulatory support and business viability can EVs realize their potential to decarbonize
transport and reshape urban mobility.

9.2 Contributions of This Report

This report’s holistic approach bridges granular engineering analyses cell -level degradation
mechanisms, inverter-topology tradeoffs, and control-strategy stability margins with
systemic perspectives on grid resilience, shared -mobility integration, and policy incentives.
By unifying component-level detail with case-study insights from Tesla and Nissan, it offers
readers actionable frameworks for designing, deploying, and scaling EV technologies and
services. Moreover, it highlights the interplay between har dware capabilities and software-
defined energy services, illustrating how EVs can evolve from point -solutions to
foundational grid resources.

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 9.3 Scope for Further Work
Looking ahead, four frontiers warrant deeper inquiry: (1) the commercialization of solid -
state batteries assessing manufacturability, interfacial stability, and cost curves; (2) large -
scale aggregation of EV storage for wholesale and ancillary -service markets developing
market mechanisms that fairly price battery -wear and service delivery; (3) AI-driven
energy-management platforms employing machine learning to predict charging demand,
optimize routing for grid support, and preemptively schedule maintenance; and (4)
circularity in battery lifecycles establishing second -life reuse pathways and end-of-life
recycling systems that close material loops. Addressing these will be vital to sustain
momentum toward a net-zero-carbon mobility future.

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10

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Component Type / Function Pros Cons Typical Use

Permanent Magnet High-performance EVs

Motor – High efficiency, power Requires rare-earth
Synchronous (e.g. Tesla) (mdpi.com,
PMSM density, instant torque magnets, cost
Motor en.wikipedia.org)

Motor – AC induction (rotor No permanent Lower efficiency, heavy, Large traction systems,
Induction current induced) magnets, cost-effective complex control industrial use

DC ↔ AC Enables regenerative Switching losses,

Integral in all EV
Inverter bidirectional power braking, precise motor thermal management
powertrains
conversion control needed

Step-down HV Supplies cabin

DC–DC
battery to 12V electronics, HVAC, Adds cost/weight, heat Standard in every EV
Converter
systems lighting

On-board Converts AC grid to Enables Level 1/2 Essential for home/work

Bulky, needs cooling
Charger (OBC) DC for charging charging charging

Manages current Complex

Control Unit Optimizes Central to vehicle energy
flow and system software/hardware
& PDU efficiency/safety management
coordination integration

Fig 5
comparing major motor types and power-electronic components relevant to EV drivetrain
design

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 Fig 8.1
Tesla Model 3 powertrain cutaway

Fig 3.1
Drive unit teardown image

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 Fig 4.1
Battery Management System (BMS) block diagram

Fig 4.2
BMS circuit schematic

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11

CONCLUSION
The “Electric Vehicles & Mobility” course provided a comprehensive overview of the
technical, economic, and policy-driven aspects shaping the future of sustainable
transportation. By exploring the core components of electric vehicle architecture —
including battery systems, electric motors, power electronics, and charging
infrastructure—the course built a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of EV
design and operation.

Additionally, the integration of EVs with smart mobility solutions and the electrical grid
introduced real-world complexity, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary innovation.
Topics like vehicle-to-grid (V2G), smart charging, and the rise of shared e lectric mobility
models emphasized how engineering, energy systems, and user behaviour must work in
synergy.

Through case studies and applied frameworks, this course also demonstrated the practical
challenges and opportunities involved in EV adoption. As the world transitions toward
decarbonized transport, the knowledge and tools gained from this course are highl y
relevant for engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs looking to contribute to the
evolving landscape of electric mobility.

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REFERENCES
1
“Electric Vehicles: Technology, Policy and Future Trends,” Coursera Program, 2025.

2
J. Larminie and J. Lowry, Electric Vehicle Technology Explained , Wiley, 2012.

3
P. Ganesh, “Vehicle-to-Grid: A Review,” Energy Reports, Vol. 6, 2020, pp 765–774.

4
https://images.google.com/

5
https://www.wikipedia.org/

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