Electric Vehicles & Batteries

A system of connected industries

Electric-vehicle manufacturing brings together battery cells and packs, electrical machines, power electronics, mechanical structures, electronics and final vehicle assembly. These activities have different production processes and qualification requirements. An EV company may design, make or purchase different parts of the system.

Distinguish the vehicle types

Battery-electric vehicles use an electric traction motor and a rechargeable battery for propulsion. Plug-in hybrids combine an externally rechargeable battery and electric drive with an internal-combustion engine. Specify which architecture a technical claim applies to; a component diagram for a battery-electric vehicle is not a complete description of every new-energy vehicle.

Follow the company roles

BYD provides an example of a business covering vehicles and multiple new-energy activities. CATL focuses on battery and energy-storage technologies. Inovance connects industrial automation with new-energy-vehicle powertrain systems. These profiles illustrate different roles, without implying commercial relationships between the companies.

Continue exploring

• BYD
• CATL
• Inovance
• The Electric Vehicle Supply Chain
• Battery Cells, Modules & Packs
• Battery Management Systems, Explained

Sources & further reading

• US DOE AFDC: electric vehicles
• BYD: company overview
• CATL: company profile