Electric Vehicles vs. Fuel Vehicles: How Do Their Design Fundamentals Differ?

 As electric vehicles revolutionize the automotive industry, designers and engineers are facing unique challenges and opportunities in shaping their bodies. While the influence of fuel internal combustion engine vehicles persists, EVs possess distinct characteristics that demand a fresh approach to styling.

In this blog, we explore an absolute distinction of Electric Vehicles vs Fuel Vehicles, in aspects of mechanical structure and control technology, highlighting the impact on body shape design.

Electric Vehicles vs Fuel Vehicles: Mechanical Structure and Spatial Layout

When comparing electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles, one of the most significant differences in their body design lies in their mechanical structure and spatial layout. Fuel internal combustion engine vehicles have bulky engines that require a substantial amount of space at the front end of the vehicle. This engine compartment, with its associated components like clutches, transmissions, and exhaust systems, significantly influences the overall body shape.

On the other hand, electric vehicles use smaller and more compact electric motors that do not require the same extensive space as internal combustion engines. The absence of a large engine at the front allows electric car designers to shorten the front overhang and create a more streamlined appearance. Moreover, electric vehicles usually do not require complex mechanical transmission systems, as the power generated by the electric motor can be directly transmitted to the wheels through a power transmission line. This simplification in the drivetrain system further influences the spatial layout and contributes to more interior space for passengers.

Integration of Components

Integration is a key aspect that sets electric car body design apart from fuel cars. As electric vehicle technology evolves, there is a trend towards integrating various components and systems to optimize space utilization and streamline the overall design.

With advancements in electronic control-by-wire technology, both electric vehicles and fuel vehicles can now control essential systems like steering and braking electronically, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical linkages. However, when comparing electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles, this shift allows designers to create a more modular and seamless connection between the body and chassis, a feature often leveraged in electric car designs. Consequently, electric cars often feature flatter chassis designs, providing greater design freedom for crafting unique body shapes.

Moreover, the use of electric wheel drive technology has been gaining traction in electric vehicles. This approach involves integrating the electric motor and planetary gear reduction device directly into the hub of the driving wheel. By eliminating the need for a separate powertrain, electric wheel drive technology simplifies the vehicle structure, further reducing the volume occupied by the power and transmission components. This integration not only enhances the overall efficiency of the vehicle but also presents opportunities for innovative body design.

Intelligence

Electric car body design places a strong emphasis on incorporating intelligence and optimizing aerodynamics. As electric vehicles are at the forefront of smart mobility, integrating advanced technologies and intelligent systems becomes essential for enhancing driving safety and performance.

Electric cars often incorporate cutting-edge features such as Brake Force Distribution System (EBD), Body Stability Program (ESP), Intelligent Parking Assist System, and Intelligent Braking System. These technologies work together to improve driving stability, traction control, and overall safety. The integration of these intelligent systems may influence the exterior design to accommodate sensors, cameras, and other components.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the design of both electric vehicles and fuel vehicles. However, when comparing electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles, it becomes evident that electric cars have a higher reliance on battery power and efficiency, making the reduction of air resistance imperative. To achieve this, streamlined shapes and optimized aerodynamic features are essential for electric vehicles, helping to extend their driving range and improve energy efficiency. Many electric vehicle designs leverage sleek contours and innovative details to minimize drag and maximize overall performance.

Battery Placement and Vehicle Weight Distribution

Another significant difference between electric car body design and fuel cars is related to battery placement and vehicle weight distribution. Electric vehicles require a large battery pack to store and supply energy to the electric motor. Designers must carefully consider where to position this heavy battery to optimize vehicle weight distribution and overall balance.

Placing the battery pack at the bottom of the vehicle, often referred to as the “skateboard” design, lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. This strategic placement also allows for a flat cabin floor, providing more interior space and a comfortable driving experience. In contrast, fuel vehicles are not constrained by the need to accommodate a large battery, allowing for more flexibility in determining weight distribution and overall body shape. This distinction highlights the unique challenges and advantages faced by electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles in terms of battery placement and design considerations.

Sound and Noise Considerations

One often overlooked aspect of electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles body design is the management of sound and noise. Unlike fuel internal combustion engine vehicles, electric cars run quietly due to the absence of engine noise. While this is seen as an advantage for reducing noise pollution, it presents challenges in ensuring pedestrian safety.

Designers must incorporate specific sound generation systems, commonly referred to as “Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems” (AVAS), to emit artificial sounds at low speeds to alert pedestrians of the approaching electric vehicle. These sound systems must be carefully integrated into the body design to ensure they are effective, yet not intrusive.

In contrast, fuel vehicles rely on engine and exhaust noise, which naturally serves as an audible warning to pedestrians and other road users in the context of electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles. The incorporation of sound systems in electric vehicles is an essential consideration in modern body design, ensuring they remain safe and compliant with regulations while preserving the overall aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

The body design of electric cars showcases a paradigm shift in the automotive industry, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for designers and engineers alike. The differences between electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles, such as mechanical structure, spatial layout, integration, intelligence, and sound considerations, are vital factors that influence the shaping of electric car exteriors.

Electric vehicles’ compact and efficient electric motors, coupled with the absence of bulky internal combustion engines, provide designers with greater freedom to create innovative and futuristic body shapes. The emphasis on integration and advancements in electronic control technology enables seamless connections between the body and chassis, allowing for modular designs and optimized space utilization.