Differences between various types of motors used in EVs

This article is authored by Uday Narang, Chairman and Founder, Omega Seiki Mobility.
As we know, global warming is a major threat to our planet and new solutions are being sought to battle it. One such advancement in the field of mobility is electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are becoming popular by the day due to their numerous advantages over conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.For instance, they emit lower emissions, are more efficient and have lower operating costs. One of the most critical components of EVs is the electric motor, which converts electrical energy stored in the battery into mechanical energy that propels the vehicle. There are several types of motors used in electric vehicles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let us take a look at the five major types of motors that are seen in EVs today.


Brushed DC motors were the first type of electric motor used in EVs, and they are still used in some electric cars, although they are not as common as they used to be. A brushed DC motor consists of a rotor, a stator, and a commutator, which is a mechanical switch that alternates the direction of the current flowing through the rotor windings. The brushes in the motor provide electrical contact between the stator and the rotor.
Brushed DC motors are relatively inexpensive and have a simple design, making them an attractive option for low-cost electric vehicles. However, they require frequent maintenance due to the brushes wearing out over time and they are less efficient than some of the other types of motors used in EVs.

Brushless DC motors (BLDC) are more advanced than brushed DC motors and are becoming increasingly popular in EVs. BLDC motors are more efficient than brushed DC motors, have a longer lifespan, and require less maintenance. They also have a higher power-to-weight ratio, making them suitable for use in smaller, lighter electric vehicles.
BLDC motors do not have brushes, which means they have a simpler design and are less prone to wear and tear. They use electronic commutation to switch the current flow between the stator and the rotor, making them more efficient and reliable than brushed DC motors. However, they are more expensive than brushed DC motors due to their more complex design.

Induction motors, also known as asynchronous motors, are another type of motor used in EVs. Induction motors have a stator and a rotor, but unlike DC motors, they do not have a commutator. Instead, they rely on electromagnetic induction to transfer power between the stator and rotor. Induction motors are efficient, reliable, and have a longer lifespan than DC motors.
Induction motors are particularly well-suited for use in EVs because they have a high torque density which means they can generate a lot of torque even at low speeds. This makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles which require a lot of torque to get moving from a standstill. However, induction motors are more expensive than DC motors and require more complex control systems as well.

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are a type of electric motor that uses permanent magnets to generate the magnetic field that drives the rotor. PMSMs are efficient and have a high power density, making them suitable for use in EVs. They also have a high torque density, which makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles.
PMSMs are also more expensive than DC motors and require more complex control systems, but they are more efficient and reliable too. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) use the reluctance of the magnetic circuit to generate torque. SRMs are efficient and have a high power density. They are also simple in design and require less maintenance than some of the other types of motors used in EVs. SRMs have a lower torque density than some of the other types of motors used in EVs, but they are still a viable option for certain applications where simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness are the primary considerations.
Electric vehicles are penetrating the automobile industry at a very fast rate, and the type of motor used in an electric vehicle is a crucial factor in its performance, efficiency, and overall cost. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that new types of motors will emerge, offering even more efficient and reliable solutions for electric vehicles. We certainly see a new trend in motors, with a variety of new features coming up, adding to the ease, comfort, and operability of the EV user.