Build an Electric Vehicle : A Beginner's Course

Explore how to size an electric motor for a vehicle, apply a basic motor-type selection framework, and understand BLDC motor operation and motor specification sheets—guided by practical hands-on and self-reflection.

Explore how a torque map in the motor controller converts throttle input and motor speed into torque values, creating eco and power modes with different acceleration and range.

Explore key battery parameters such as voltage, resistance, current, charge and energy capacity, specific energy, and specific power, and see how they guide lithium battery selection.

Lead-acid chemistry has lower specific energy, heavier mass, shorter cycle life, and poorer discharge efficiency under large loads due to Peukert's effect, making lithium-ion the preferred technology for electric vehicles.

Compare lfp and nmc batteries for electric two-wheelers, noting nmc's higher specific energy and lfp's superior specific power, cycle durability, and safety against thermal runaway.

Understand the lithium ion battery's operation through electrochemical potential, lithium cell structure (cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator), charging and discharging, and graphite intercalation with NMC and lithium ferro phosphate chemistries.

Explore battery parameters and Peukert's law to size lithium-ion packs for electric vehicles. Compare chemistries like lead acid, lif, and NMC, and outline a 4.2 kWh lithium ferro phosphate pack.

Explore the three EV charging levels—level one, level two, and level three—classified by power output. Learn how home AC charging contrasts with off-board DC fast charging at public stations.

Understand why an electric two-wheeler needs a transmission system to connect a mid-drive motor to the wheel via chain or belt drives and meet torque demands.

Size the transmission by calculating wheel torque from resistance forces and tyre radius, adopt a 1990/12 tyre, and estimate a fivefold transmission ratio for typical performance.

Understand why a transmission is needed to connect motor to wheel and size it for torque, noting EVs favor a belt drive over CVT or gear drive for simplicity.

Explore self-reflection on virtual vehicle modeling of Dhruva, including ergonomic rebar analysis, battery placement, and assembly of major parts, while reviewing performance targets and upcoming safety regulations.