Electric cars raise many questions, particularly regarding their longevity. If the battery is often at the center of debate, what about the electric motor itself? Is it a strength or a weakness? Let's dive into the details.
History of electric motors
The development of electric motors dates back well before that of thermal engines. The first electric motor was invented in 1822, long before the internal combustion engine appeared in 1861. However, electric cars have long been overshadowed by their thermal counterparts. They timidly resurfaced in the 70s to 90s during the oil crises, finally establishing themselves significantly with the announced end of internal combustion engines.
Electric motor technology is well known and mastered, thanks to its use in various industries and domestic appliances. We know that electric motors are extremely reliable and have an impressive longevity.
Reliability and longevity of electric motors
Electric motors are renowned for their technical simplicity. With fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, the risk of failure is reduced. An electric motor has around ten moving parts, compared to several hundred for a thermal engine, which contributes to its reliability.
In industry and domestic appliances, electric motors have proven their robustness. It is rare to have to replace an electric motor, whether in a vacuum cleaner, refrigerator or shaver. It's usually the peripheral components like cabling or connectors that are the problem.
Estimated lifespan
Estimates for the lifespan of electric motors vary, but it is commonly accepted that an electric motor can travel up to 1 million miles. This corresponds to approximately 50 years of service at a rate of 20,000 km per year. Comparatively, few thermal engines achieve such longevity, the average before a major failure being around 300,000 km.
Car manufacturers are reassuring on this subject. According to them, the longevity of an electric motor is not a concern. They generally guarantee the motor for the same duration as the battery, around 8 years or 160,000 km.
Reviews from owners and forums
Feedback from electric car owners confirms this reliability. On specialized forums, such as forum-auto, the problems reported rarely concern the electric motor. The concerns are more related to the battery, the charger, the charging sockets, or the power electronics.
The rare cases of electric motor failures, such as on certain Renault Zoรฉ or Peugeot e-208s, are always covered under warranty. The overall reliability of electric cars is higher than that of thermal cars.
The real weak point: the battery
The battery remains the main weak point of electric cars. It directly influences the longevity of the vehicle. Manufacturers agree that the lifespan of an electric car mainly depends on that of its battery.
Battery warranties vary, but are often 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, battery technologies are evolving rapidly, and innovations are expected to extend their lifespan.
Future prospects
With virtually lifeless electric motors and continued advances in battery technology, the future of electric cars looks bright. The reliability of electric motors, combined with extensive warranties, provides peace of mind for current and future owners.
Research and development efforts are now focused on improving the performance and durability of batteries, which could further increase the appeal of electric cars.
In conclusion, if you own or are considering purchasing an electric car, the engine should not be a cause for concern. Its reliability and longevity are guaranteed, allowing you to take full advantage of the advantages of electric mobility.
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