AN OVERVIEW OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

In a world where energy conservation and environmental protection are growing concerns, the development of electric vehicle technology has taken on an accelerated pace. The 1990's are likely to be the decade in which the long-sought practical, economical electric vehicles will begin to be realized. The paper provides an overview of present status and future trends in electric vehicle technology, with emphasis on the impact of rapid development of electric motors, power electronics, microelectronics, and new materials. Comparisons are made among various electric drive systems and various battery systems. The market size of electric vehicles in the coming years and the potential electric vehicle impacts are discussed.