Understanding the Start System in Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) operate differently from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially when it comes to the start system. Unlike ICE cars, EVs do not require a conventional starting system. In this article, we will explain what the start system in electric cars entails and how it works, as well as shed light on the start systems of traditional vehicles.

Starting System in Electric Cars

Electric cars do not have a traditional starting system like ICE vehicles. The motor in an electric car starts immediately once it receives power from the battery. Unlike ICEs, electric vehicles do not need to idle before starting as the motor can start instantly and smoothly without warming up.

Due to this, electric cars are always in a powered state; they are actually "on" even when the driver is not inside. This means that some electric cars, such as Teslas, do not have a dedicated start button. Instead, the computer remains in a low-power state, ensuring that all systems are ready as soon as the driver opens the car door.

Traditional Car Start Systems: An Overview

For traditional cars, the starting process involves several steps. This includes the use of a starter motor, ignition system, and fuel injection. Here's a closer look at how these parts work:

Engine Starting in ICE Cars

In internal combustion engine cars, the engine itself is the primary starting component. The engine relies on a starter motor to achieve the necessary speed to suck in fuel and air, and then compress them. The starter motor has a small gear that engages with a larger gear on the engine's flywheel, turning the engine at the required speed to start the combustion process.

Electric Car Starting Process

Electric vehicles operate entirely differently. After turning the key halfway to activate the ignition, the battery sends electricity to the spark plugs. However, in modern electronic ignition systems, the car checks the RFID tag in your key if this technology is implemented, and then connects the starter to the battery to start rotating the engine. The car's computer monitors the crank and timing position sensors to ensure the motor is rotating fast enough to fire up. Once the RPM is achieved, the fuel and spark are injected, and the engine starts.

Diesel Car Starting Process

Diesel engines operate in a similar manner to gasoline engines, but with some key differences. Instead of spark plugs, diesel engines use injectors to add fuel directly to the combustion chamber. The process involves the fuel pump filling the float bowls, the starter rotating the engine, and the engine's rotation pulling air through the fuel injection system to mix air and fuel. The rotation of the engine also causes the distributor to rotate and send sparks to the correct cylinders.

Conclusion

Understanding the starting system of both electric and traditional cars is crucial for comprehending the fundamental differences between these vehicle types. Whether it's the instant start of an electric car or the complex sequence of steps involved in starting a traditional ICE car, both systems serve the same purpose: to get the engine running for the vehicle to function.

By familiarizing ourselves with these systems, we can better appreciate the advancements in automotive technology and the diverse ways vehicles start and operate today.