Page 28 - Insurance Times June 2024

types require different safety measures, the standards for component. They perform the crucial function of converting
safe shipment procedures are still evolving. Batteries do have stored electrical energy from the battery into mechanical
a healthy lifespan of eight to ten years, after which they energy, which propels the vehicle forward. Electric motors
degrade. However, early degradation occurs due to reasons are classified into two main groups: alternating current (AC)
such as how it is charged and discharged and the ambient and direct current (DC) motors. Within each group, there
conditions. are many types of motors based on criteria such as power
rating, torque, efficiency, size, weight, cooling system,
For example, regular use of rapid charging and driving in voltage rating, speed range, and control mechanism. Each
cold weather are said to reduce the efficiency and life of a type of electric motor has its own advantages and
battery. Weather conditions also have an impact on battery disadvantages, and the choice of electric motor for an EV
performance. Monsoons pose a challenge for safeguarding depends on the vehicle's design and intended purpose.
batteries, as heavy rain can potentially lead to water ingress,
causing short circuits and overheating. Additionally, using a Unlike ICEVs, electric motors offer instant torque, which
battery with an incorrect product it was not designed to be could cause rapid and abrupt acceleration. It might take
used with could result in overheating and potential fire new EV drivers some time to adapt to this difference, thus
hazards. increasing the risk of accidents and collisions, resulting in
claims for vehicle damage and bodily injuries during the
Specialized skills and adherence to specific safety protocols adjustment phase. Additionally, electric motors could pose
are imperative when repairing or replacing a battery. a hazard from post-accident electric shocks, potentially
Unauthorized service stations or incorrect calibration can harming individuals. Electric motors produce power from the
potentially lead to warranty voidance. Due to their interaction of magnetic fields, causing significantly reduced
sensitivity, even a minor collision can result in irreparable mechanical noise when compared to the combustion
damage to batteries, necessitating their replacement. Given processes occurring within an ICE.
that the battery is the most valuable component of an EV,
such a situation could potentially lead to a total loss of the Furthermore, the presence of fewer moving parts and the
vehicle. absence of noise stemming from exhaust emissions provide
a quieter driving experience. This may cause accidents and
"Range anxiety," the concern that the battery might deplete injuries to pedestrians and cyclists who may not be aware
before reaching the intended destination, has posed a of the approaching vehicle. To mitigate this risk, regulations
significant obstacle to the widespread acceptance of EVs. are emerging to create noise by installing an acoustic vehicle
Range depends on battery capacity, driver behavior, vehicle alert system. Electric motors are vulnerable to water
speed, and the terrain. EV drivers are at a considerable risk damage, potentially leading to short circuits.
of experiencing a breakdown due to flat batteries in Electromagnetic interference from the EV or the charging
"charging deserts" that have limited charging infrastructure has the potential to induce unintended vehicle
infrastructure, both in urban and rural settings, movements, which can result in accidents.
necessitating the need for roadside assistance.
Electromagnetic interference could even raise health
Another emerging solution for tackling the wait time while concerns for individuals with specific medical implants.
recharging batteries is battery swapping, also known as Electric motors and transmissions heavily depend on
battery-as-a-service. In this process, a depleted battery is advanced electronic control systems and intricate software.
quickly exchanged for a fully charged one at a swapping Software malfunctions or cyberattacks can cause
station or service center. However, a key concern with this malfunctions that affect performance. Compared to a
approach is the reliability of these swapping stations, and combustion engine, electric car motors have fewer parts,
it's often challenging to assess the state of health of the which makes maintenance easier. However, repairs can be
replacement battery. costly and complex, demanding more time for diagnostics
and calibration. As a result, repair services tend to be
Electric Motor increasingly OEM-driven rather than relying on traditional
independent repair shops.
Electric motors are the essential core of the EV propulsion
system, representing the second-most significant ̱ ¾» ½±²¬·²«»¼ ·² ²»¨¬ ·­­«»

26 June 2024 The Insurance Times