Question

Does EV use AC or DC?

Answer 1

Electric Vehicles (EVs) typically use both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current), but in different parts of the system.

1. DC (Direct Current): The battery of an EV stores energy in the form of DC. This is because most battery technology, like lithium-ion, works with DC power.
   

1. AC (Alternating Current): The electric motor in most EVs runs on AC. AC motors are efficient and can be controlled to change speed and torque easily.
   

So, how does an EV switch between AC and DC?

1. When charging, an AC charger (like the ones found in home charging stations) delivers AC to the vehicle. The car has an onboard charger (called an inverter) that converts AC to DC to charge the battery.
   

  

1. When the car needs to use power, the battery provides DC to the inverter, which converts it back to AC to power the motor.
   

In summary: EVs use DC for battery storage and AC for the motor, with inverters helping to convert between the two.