DEPARTMENT OF EEE

U20EE835/ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND HYBRID VEHICLES

QUESTION BANK TWO MARK WITH ANSWER

UNIT -1 ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND HYBRID VEHICLES

PART-A
1. What is an electric vehicle (EV)?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in a battery,
without the use of a gasoline or diesel engine.
2. What is a hybrid vehicle?
A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor,
using both energy sources for propulsion.
3. What are the main types of hybrid vehicles?
The main types are:
 Full hybrids (HEV)
 Plug-in hybrids (PHEV)
 Mild hybrids (MHEV)
4. What is the range of an electric vehicle?
The range of an electric vehicle varies by model but typically ranges from 100 to 400
miles on a full charge.
5. How do electric vehicles recharge?
Electric vehicles recharge by plugging into electric power sources like home chargers,
public charging stations, or fast chargers.
6. What is regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles?
Regenerative braking captures energy during braking and converts it into electricity,
which is then stored in the vehicle’s battery.
7. Do electric vehicles require oil changes?
No, electric vehicles do not require oil changes because they don’t have a traditional
internal combustion engine.
8. What is the main advantage of a hybrid vehicle?
The main advantage is better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to
conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
9. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
Charging time depends on the charger type: Level 1 (home) takes 8-12 hours, Level 2
(public) takes 4-8 hours, and fast chargers can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes.
10. What is the difference between a PHEV and an HEV?
A PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) can be charged from an external source and
run solely on electricity for a limited range, while an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
relies on both the gas engine and electric motor, with no need for external charging.
11. What are the environmental benefits of electric vehicles?
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
12.Are hybrid vehicles more fuel-efficient than conventional cars?
Yes, hybrid vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient than traditional gasoline vehicles
due to their ability to use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.
13.What is the battery life of an electric vehicle?
The battery life typically lasts between 8 to 15 years, with most EVs offering warranties
of around 8 years for the battery.
14. Can electric vehicles tow trailers?
Yes, some electric vehicles are capable of towing, though towing capacity may be less
than traditional vehicles due to battery weight.
15. Do hybrid vehicles still produce emissions?
Yes, while hybrid vehicles emit less pollution than conventional cars, they still produce
some emissions, especially when using the internal combustion engine.
16. How is an electric vehicle different from a hydrogen vehicle?
An electric vehicle uses a battery to store electricity, while a hydrogen vehicle uses a
fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen.
17.What is an example of a popular electric vehicle?
Popular EVs include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt.
18.What are the challenges of electric vehicles?
Challenges include limited range, long charging times, high upfront cost, and the
availability of charging infrastructure.
19. What are the advantages of hybrid vehicles over electric vehicles?
Hybrid vehicles don’t rely on charging infrastructure and have a longer range, making
them more suitable for long trips.
20. Are electric vehicles more expensive than gasoline vehicles?
Yes, electric vehicles generally have a higher upfront cost, but they tend to have lower
maintenance and fuel costs over time.
PART-B
1. How does the configuration of an electric vehicle (EV) impact its performance
and efficiency?
2. What are the key characteristics of traction motors in electric vehicles, and how
do they influence vehicle performance?
3. How does tractive effort affect the driving experience and performance of an
electric vehicle?
4. What role does the transmission system play in optimizing the performance of
electric vehicles?
5. How is vehicle performance measured in electric vehicles, and what factors are
most important?
6. How does tractive effort vary during normal driving, and what impact does this
have on energy consumption?
7. What are the primary factors that affect energy consumption in electric vehicles?
8. What are the main differences between series and parallel hybrid electric drive
trains, and how do they affect vehicle efficiency?
9. What are the key architectural components of hybrid electric drive trains, and
how do they work together to improve fuel efficiency?
10. How does the design of a series hybrid electric drive train differ from that of a
parallel hybrid electric drive train, and what are the benefits and challenges of
each?

UNIT II/ENERGY STORAGE FOR EV AND HEV

PART-A
1. Why is energy storage crucial for electric vehicles (EVs)?
Energy storage is necessary to store electrical energy for propulsion, enabling
EVs to operate without direct connections to the grid during driving.
2. What is the role of energy storage in hybrid vehicles?
Energy storage allows hybrid vehicles to switch between electric motor and
internal combustion engine (ICE), improving fuel efficiency and reducing
emissions.
3. What does battery capacity refer to?
Battery capacity refers to the amount of energy a battery can store, usually
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for electric vehicles.
4. What is the significance of battery voltage in an EV?
Battery voltage determines the power output of the battery and is crucial for the
vehicle's overall energy efficiency and performance.
5. What is the concept of battery life cycle?
Battery life cycle refers to the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery can
go through before its capacity drops significantly.
6. What are the most common types of batteries used in electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common, though other types like
lead-acid and solid-state batteries are also being explored.
7. What are the advantages of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles?
Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, long life cycle, and faster
charging times compared to other types of batteries.
8. What is a solid-state battery?
A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of liquid or gel, offering
higher energy density and safety features.
9. What is battery modeling?
Battery modeling is the process of simulating a battery’s behavior, including its
voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge, to optimize performance and
longevity.
10. Why is battery modeling important for EVs?
It helps in improving energy management systems, predicting battery life, and
ensuring the vehicle's overall efficiency and performance.
11. What is the basic principle of a fuel cell?
A fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction between a fuel
(usually hydrogen) and an oxidant (typically oxygen), producing water as a
byproduct.
12. How does a hydrogen fuel cell work?
Hydrogen gas is fed into the anode side, where it splits into protons and
electrons. The electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity,
while protons pass through an electrolyte to the cathode side, where they
combine with oxygen to form water.
13. What are the main byproducts of a fuel cell?
The primary byproducts of a fuel cell are water and heat.
14. What are the different types of fuel cells?
The main types of fuel cells include Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
(PEMFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), and
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC).
15. Which fuel cell type is commonly used in vehicles?
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are commonly used in
hydrogen-powered vehicles due to their low temperature and quick start-up
time.
16. How does a PEMFC work?
A PEMFC uses a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane, where
hydrogen is split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the
membrane to the cathode, while the electrons travel through an external circuit
to generate electricity.
17. What are the advantages of PEMFCs in automotive applications?
PEMFCs offer high efficiency, fast start-up, low operating temperature, and are
compact, making them ideal for automotive use.
18. Why is modeling of PEMFC important?
Modeling PEMFCs helps to optimize performance, predict fuel consumption, and
improve energy efficiency in real-world operating conditions.
19. What are the key parameters considered in PEMFC modeling?
Key parameters include temperature, pressure, current density, voltage, and fuel
consumption.
20. What is a super capacitor and how does it work?
A super capacitor stores energy through electrostatic charge rather than chemical
reactions, offering fast charging/discharging, high power density, and longer cycle life
compared to traditional batteries.
PART-B
1. Why are energy storage requirements critical for electric vehicles and how do
they affect vehicle performance?
2. What are the key battery parameters that influence the performance and
longevity of batteries in electric vehicles?
3. What are the different types of batteries used in electric vehicles, and how do
they differ in terms of performance and application?
4. What is the basic principle behind fuel cells, and how do they operate to generate
electricity for vehicles?
5. What are the different types of fuel cells, and what makes each type suitable for
specific applications?
6. How does a PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) work, and why is it commonly used in
hydrogen-powered vehicles?
7. How is battery modeling used to predict and optimize battery performance in
electric vehicles?

UNIT III ELECTRIC PROPULSION

PART-A
1. What are the key considerations when designing an electric vehicle (EV)?
Key considerations include battery capacity, motor efficiency, energy
management, vehicle range, weight, and cost.
2. Why is vehicle range a critical factor in EV design?
The vehicle range determines how far the EV can travel on a single charge,
affecting its practicality for consumers.
3. What role does the powertrain play in an electric vehicle?
The powertrain converts electrical energy into mechanical power to move the
vehicle, including the motor, transmission, and energy storage system.
4. What is regenerative braking in an electric vehicle?
Regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it into
electrical energy to recharge the battery.
5. What is a DC motor drive used for in electric vehicles?
A DC motor drive provides the necessary torque to move the vehicle by
converting electrical energy into mechanical motion.
6. How is speed controlled in DC motor drives?
Speed is controlled by varying the voltage or adjusting the current in the
armature circuit, allowing for smooth acceleration and deceleration.
7. What are the advantages of using DC motors in EVs?
DC motors offer easy speed control, high torque at low speeds, and a simple
control system, making them suitable for certain EV applications.
8. What are the limitations of DC motor drives?
DC motors require maintenance due to brush wear, and they may be less
efficient at high speeds compared to other motor types.
9. What is an induction motor drive, and how is it used in electric vehicles?
An induction motor drive uses an alternating current (AC) motor to produce
torque. It’s commonly used in EVs for its robustness, efficiency, and reliability.
10. What are the advantages of induction motors in EVs?
Induction motors are simple, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, with good
efficiency and scalability for electric vehicles.
11. How is the speed controlled in an induction motor drive?
Speed control in an induction motor drive is typically achieved by adjusting the
frequency of the AC supply using a variable frequency drive (VFD).
12. What are the challenges of using induction motors in electric vehicles?
Induction motors require complex control systems and can be less efficient at
low speeds compared to other types of motors like permanent magnet motors.
13. What is a permanent magnet motor drive, and why is it used in electric
vehicles?
A permanent magnet motor uses magnets to generate the magnetic field
required for rotation, offering high efficiency and compact size, making it
suitable for EVs.
14. What are the advantages of permanent magnet motors in electric vehicles?
They offer high torque density, efficiency, and performance, especially at low
speeds, with no need for external excitation current.
15. How is speed controlled in a permanent magnet motor drive?
Speed is controlled by adjusting the voltage or the frequency of the AC power
supplied to the motor.
16. What are the disadvantages of permanent magnet motors in electric
vehicles?
They can be expensive due to the use of rare earth materials in the magnets, and
their performance can degrade at high temperatures.
17. What is a switched reluctance motor (SRM), and how is it used in electric
vehicles?
A switched reluctance motor is an electric motor that operates based on the
reluctance of magnetic paths, providing high torque and efficiency at varying
speeds.
18. What are the advantages of switched reluctance motors in EVs?
SRMs are rugged, cost-effective, and have high efficiency, especially in high-
speed applications, with no need for permanent magnets.
19. What are the challenges of using switched reluctance motors in electric
vehicles?
SRMs require complex control systems and can have higher noise and vibration
levels compared to other motor types.
20. What is the role of the drive system in an electric vehicle?
The drive system converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to
power the wheels, and it must be efficiently controlled for optimal vehicle performance.
PART-B
1. What are the key considerations when designing an electric vehicle (EV) to
ensure optimal performance and efficiency?
2. How does a DC motor drive work in electric vehicles, and what methods are used
to control its speed effectively?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using induction motor drives in
electric vehicles?
4. How do permanent magnet motor drives differ from other motor types in terms
of performance and energy efficiency for electric vehicles?
5. What is a switched reluctance motor drive, and how does it benefit electric
vehicles in terms of efficiency and reliability?
6. How do various electric vehicle drive configurations (DC, induction, permanent
magnet, etc.) impact overall vehicle performance and energy consumption?
7. What are the challenges and solutions in controlling and optimizing different
types of motor drives in electric vehicles?

UNIT IV DESIGN OF ELECTRIC AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

PART-A
1. What is a series hybrid electric drive train?
A series hybrid drive train uses an internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate
electricity that powers an electric motor, which drives the vehicle’s wheels.
2. What are the key operating patterns in a series hybrid drive train?
The engine operates at a constant speed to generate electricity, while the electric
motor controls the vehicle’s speed and acceleration.
3. What are the main control strategies in a series hybrid electric drive train?
The control strategy involves managing energy flow between the engine, electric
motor, and battery to optimize fuel efficiency and performance.
4. Why is sizing of major components critical in series hybrid drive train
design?
Proper sizing of components (engine, electric motor, and battery) ensures
balanced power delivery, efficient energy conversion, and system reliability.
5. How is the power rating of the traction motor determined in a series
hybrid electric drive train?
The power rating of the traction motor is based on the vehicle's required
acceleration, top speed, and load-carrying capacity.
6. What factors influence the power rating of the engine/generator in a series
hybrid drive train?
The engine/generator power rating depends on the energy requirements of the
electric motor, vehicle weight, and driving conditions, as it must generate
sufficient power for the motor and charge the battery.
7. How is the power rating of the engine/generator optimized in a series
hybrid drive train?
The engine/generator is sized to operate most efficiently at a specific load range,
ensuring minimal fuel consumption and emissions while meeting the vehicle's
performance needs.
8. What is the role of the power split device (PPS) in a series hybrid drive
train?
The power split device (PPS) optimizes the distribution of power between the
engine and the electric motor, improving efficiency and performance.
9. How is the battery sizing determined in a series hybrid system?
Battery sizing is based on the range required, the power needs of the electric
 motor, and the energy storage capacity to allow for sufficient driving distance
without over-sizing the battery.
10. What are the challenges in designing the engine and generator in a series
hybrid system?
Challenges include selecting an engine that is efficient at the operational points
needed for the electric motor, minimizing fuel consumption, and optimizing the
overall system for emissions control.

11. What is a parallel hybrid electric drive train?

A parallel hybrid electric drive train combines an internal combustion engine
and an electric motor to independently or jointly drive the wheels of the vehicle.
12. What are the primary control strategies in a parallel hybrid drive train?
The control strategy focuses on optimizing the use of both the engine and the
electric motor, either by using them together for high-power needs or separately
to improve fuel efficiency during light-load driving.
13. How is engine power capacity designed in a parallel hybrid system?
The engine power capacity is designed based on the required vehicle
performance, considering factors like acceleration, speed, fuel efficiency, and
overall weight.
14. What factors influence the design of electric motor drive capacity in a
parallel hybrid system?
Electric motor capacity is designed based on required torque, speed, and the
need to support the vehicle in electric-only mode for short distances or to assist
the engine during high-power demands.
15. Why is transmission design critical in a parallel hybrid electric drive train?
The transmission must efficiently manage power from both the internal
combustion engine and electric motor, ensuring smooth operation and energy
efficiency during various driving conditions.
16. What type of transmission is typically used in parallel hybrid electric
vehicles?
Commonly, parallel hybrids use either a planetary gear system or a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) to manage the power flow from both sources.
17. How is the energy storage design determined in a parallel hybrid drive
train?
Energy storage design is based on the battery's ability to provide enough energy
for electric-only driving and to store regenerative energy while maintaining a
compact and efficient design.
18. How is battery sizing optimized for a parallel hybrid system?
Battery sizing is optimized to allow for short-range electric-only driving, while
the internal combustion engine handles longer trips, ensuring a balance between
weight, cost, and performance.
19. What are the challenges in designing the power electronics for parallel
hybrid systems?
Challenges include ensuring efficient power conversion, managing energy flow
between the engine, motor, and battery, and minimizing losses in the system
during operation.
20. What are the key considerations when designing a parallel hybrid vehicle’s
energy management system (EMS)?
The EMS must optimize when and how the engine and electric motor are used,
maximizing efficiency, minimizing fuel consumption, and ensuring smooth
transitions between power sources.
Part-B
1. What are the key operating patterns of a series hybrid electric drive train, and
how do they influence vehicle performance?
2. What control strategies are used in a series hybrid electric drive train to
optimize energy usage and performance?
3. How is the sizing of major components like the traction motor, engine/generator,
and battery determined in a series hybrid system?
4. How do you calculate the power rating of the traction motor and
engine/generator in a series hybrid drive train?
5. What is the role of the power split device (PPS) in a series hybrid drive train, and
how is it designed for optimal efficiency?
6. What are the key control strategies for a parallel hybrid electric drive train, and
how do they improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance?
7. How are engine power capacity, electric motor drive capacity, and energy
storage designed in a parallel hybrid electric drive train to ensure balanced
performance and efficiency?
UNIT V/POWER ELECTRONIC CONVERTER FOR BATTERY CHARGING
PART-A
1. What is a converter in the context of electrical systems?
A converter is an electronic device used to change the form of electrical energy,
such as converting AC to DC (rectifier), DC to AC (inverter), or DC to DC (DC-DC
converter).
2. What are the main types of converters used in power electronics?
The main types include AC-DC converters (rectifiers), DC-AC converters
(inverters), and DC-DC converters.
3. What is the function of a DC-DC converter?
A DC-DC converter changes the voltage level of a DC power source, either
stepping it up (boost converter) or stepping it down (buck converter).
4. Why is voltage regulation important in a converter?
Voltage regulation ensures that the output voltage remains stable and within a
specified range, even when input voltage or load conditions change.

5. What is an isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter?

It is a power converter that allows energy to flow in both directions, providing
galvanic isolation between input and output, typically used for energy storage
systems like batteries.
6. What is the purpose of galvanic isolation in isolated bidirectional DC-DC
converters?
Galvanic isolation prevents direct electrical connection between input and
output, which enhances safety and reduces the risk of short circuits or damage to
components.
7. In which applications are isolated bidirectional DC-DC converters typically
used?
They are used in battery management systems, renewable energy systems, and
electric vehicles, where energy storage and retrieval need to be controlled and
isolated.
8. What are the key components of an isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter?
Key components include a transformer (for isolation), switches (e.g., MOSFETs),
inductors, capacitors, and a controller for managing energy flow.
9. How does the bidirectional feature of this converter work?
The converter can transfer energy from the DC source to the load (during
discharging) and from the load to the source (during charging), allowing for
reversible energy flow.
10. What is a Z-converter?
A Z-converter is a type of DC-DC converter designed for high efficiency and high
power transfer, commonly used in applications like battery charging and power
supplies.
11. Why is the Z-converter used for battery charging?
Z-converters can provide efficient voltage conversion, and they are known for
reduced switching losses and improved efficiency, making them suitable for
battery charging applications.
12. What are the key design considerations for a Z-converter in battery
charging?
Key considerations include the input/output voltage range, switching frequency,
transformer design, and thermal management to ensure stable and efficient
charging.
13. How does the Z-converter improve efficiency compared to other DC-DC
converters?
The Z-converter minimizes switching losses due to its soft-switching technique,
which reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and increases overall
efficiency.
14. What is the role of the transformer in a Z-converter design?
The transformer in a Z-converter provides electrical isolation and voltage step-
up or step-down, depending on the charging requirements.

15. What is a high-frequency transformer-based isolated charger topology?

It uses high-frequency transformers for isolation and voltage conversion,
providing an efficient and compact solution for battery charging in applications
like electric vehicles.
16. Why is high-frequency operation used in transformer-based chargers?
High-frequency operation allows for smaller, lighter transformers and reduces
energy losses, making the charger more efficient and compact.
17. What are the advantages of using high-frequency transformers in isolated
chargers?
They offer reduced size, lower weight, better efficiency, and lower cost compared
to traditional low-frequency transformers, making them ideal for modern power
supply designs.
18. What are the challenges of designing a high-frequency transformer-based
isolated charger?
Challenges include managing electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring
thermal performance, and designing an efficient feedback control system.

19. What is transformerless topology in power converters?

Transformerless topology refers to power converter designs that eliminate the
need for a traditional transformer, often using capacitors or inductors for
isolation or voltage conversion.
20. What are the advantages of using transformerless topology?
The main advantages are reduced size, weight, and cost due to the absence of
bulky transformers, and potentially higher efficiency in certain applications like
grid-connected inverters or compact battery chargers.
PART-B
1. What are the different charging methods used for batteries in electric vehicles,
and how do they impact charging speed and efficiency?
2. What are termination methods in battery charging, and why are they important
for ensuring battery longevity and safety?
3. How does charging from the grid work for electric vehicles, and what are the
advantages and challenges of grid-based charging?
4. What is a Z-converter, and how is it used for efficient battery charging in electric
vehicles?
5. What is the role of an isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter in battery charging,
and how does it support both charging and discharging cycles?
6. How is the design of a Z-converter optimized for battery charging, and what
factors must be considered for effective performance?
7. What are the benefits and challenges of high-frequency transformer-based
isolated charger topologies compared to traditional transformer designs?

Prepared by

R.SATHISH /AP/EEE/DSEC