Electric mobility

Plenitude inaugurates a new attraction at Leolandia amusement park to introduce children and their families to the world of electric mobility.From Saturday, 18th May, Leolandia will issue the first Scuola Guida Futuro (Future Driving School) driving licences: to earn them, children will need to get on the track and embrace their desire to drive the future. Located in Capriate San Gervasio, near Bergamo, this attraction is the first theme park attraction dedicated to electric mobility in Italy, created by Plenitude through its subsidiary Be Charge.Scuola Guida Futuro allows children to experience the excitement of driving a mini electric car, introducing them to the world of electric mobility.But what is the new attraction like? Let’s describe it through the eyes of the children who were the first to test the track last Saturday.The excitement begins as soon as you arrive at the park, where there are large signs near the entrance point to the area, located near the Thomas & Friends Train and the Golfo del Drago Marino (Marine Dragon Gulf). In the special Electric Street, ten colourful toy cars travel around, perfectly silent. Well, almost silent, because they are equipped with a special driving assistant - a friendly voice that alerts the young drivers when it’s time to refuel. This is the highlight of the experience, as children get to engage with the innovative world of electric mobility and its quiet, emission-free engines. The charging station, a scale replica of the Fast chargers found along roads in Italy and Europe, marked by special signs, becomes the gateway to a world where technology enhances electric mobility. Once the virtual refuelling is complete, without needing to leave their cars, the experience wraps up. Meanwhile, adults - except those who accompany younger children - can enjoy the dedicated area where they can test the Sound Experience, immersing themselves in the world of electric mobility. At the end of the ride, all participants can take a photo and receive the special driving licence via an email provided by their parents, commemorating their first time behind the wheel of an electric car.The partnership with Plenitude also includes the installation of a Hub with ten charging points within the parking areas, where all Leolandia guests can recharge their electric vehicles. This initiative is part of a multi-year agreement to jointly pursue a path towards making the park even more sustainable.Scuola Guida Futuro is the result of an innovative edutainment journey that focuses on renewable energy, offering an immersive experience where everything - from the mini electric cars to the surrounding environment and audiovisual content - is designed to deliver a positive message, inspiring dreams of a future that is already possible.The future of electric mobility - paraphrasing Leolandia’s famous slogan - really does exist, and children will have the opportunity and responsibility to lead it. The welcoming staff explains the best way to do it: “In Electric Street, you will find the charging station, where you can recharge with enthusiasm. Because enthusiasm is the real energy of change.”

Electric cars – meaning full electric vehicles – are powered by an electric motor that operates using electricity stored in batteries. But how does this motor work? In this article, we seek to clarify. How does the engine of an electric car work?In an electric car, the electric motor is typically located under the hood or near the wheels. The motor is powered by a group of rechargeable batteries, usually composed of lithium-ion cells. These batteries can be recharged by connecting the car to a charging point.Electric motors utilize the principle of electromagnetism to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the electric motor draws energy from the battery pack and uses it to turn the wheels. Unlike a gasoline engine, which uses combustion to create movement, an electric motor provides instantaneous torque, allowing the car to accelerate very smoothly. Rotor and statorThe electric motor consists of a rotor and a stator. The stator is the stationary part of the motor, while the rotor is the rotating part. The stator contains a series of coils that are excited with electricity to create a magnetic field. When electricity flows through the coils, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor, causing it to rotate.The rotor contains a series of magnets arranged in a specific pattern. When the magnetic field of the stator interacts with the magnets of the rotor, it creates a rotational force that spins the rotor. This rotational force is transferred to the car's wheels through the transmission, propelling the car forward. Types of motorsThere are two main types of motors: alternating current (AC) motors and direct current (DC) motors. AC motors are the most commonly used in electric cars because they offer better efficiency and are easier to control. However, DC motors are still used in some electric cars, especially in older models or smaller vehicles.In an alternating current motor, the stator coils are arranged in a specific pattern to create a rotating magnetic field. This rotating magnetic field interacts with the rotor magnets, causing it to rotate. The speed and torque of the motor can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the electricity supplied to the motor. Alternating current and direct currentIn a direct current motor, the stator coils are connected to a series of commutator bars, which switch the direction of the current flowing through the coils as the rotor rotates. This creates a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor magnets, causing it to rotate. The speed and torque of the motor can be controlled by adjusting the voltage of the electricity supplied to the motor.Of course, both alternating current and direct current motors are powered by the car's battery, which stores the electricity generated by connecting the car to an external power source (such as a charging station) or, to a lesser extent, by regenerative braking. The battery pack is connected to an inverter, which converts the stored electricity into electricity that can be used to power the motor.In summary, electric car motors operate by using the electricity stored in the car's battery to create a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor magnets, causing it to rotate. The speed and torque of the motor can be controlled by adjusting the frequency, amplitude, or voltage of the electricity supplied to the motor.

The history of electric cars is truly unique: unlike many other technologies, the path of battery-powered vehicles has been marked by highs and lows and unexpected turns of events. Despite various theories regarding the date of birth of the first electric car, many argue that the earliest electric cars on a small scale were developed between 1828 and 1832. The early experimentsMany scholars argue that the first electric vehicle was showcased at an industry conference in 1835 by a British inventor named Robert Anderson. Robert Anderson's vehicle used a disposable battery powered by petroleum. Around the same time, Hungarian scientist Ányos Jedlik and Dutch professor Sibrandus Stratingh invented two other models of electric vehicles. On the other side of the Atlantic, Thomas Davenport, an American blacksmith, designed integral components of the electric motor, which proved crucial in the years to come.However, vehicles of that era were little more than electrified prototypes, traveling at a maximum speed of 12 km/h, with bulky steering and limited range. In the 1860s, a French physicist named Gaston Plante invented the first rechargeable lead-acid battery, which represented a breakthrough for electric mobility.William Morrison's attemptsIt was only by the end of the 1880s that electric mobility pioneer William Morrison combined many patented technologies up to that point to create a more practical electric vehicle. Morrison's vehicle was a traditional "Surrey" carriage drawn by horses – popular in 19th century America – which was converted to allow for the installation of a battery.Morrison's electric carriage could carry up to 12 people and had a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour (32 km/h). After Morrison's electrified wagon debuted, some American manufacturers began to produce similar vehicles, making them increasingly popular in urban areas. The decline of steam-powered vehiclesIn 1900, 38% of all cars on the road in the United States were electric, 40% were steam-powered, and only 22% were gasoline-powered. However, steam engines quickly fell out of favor because they constantly needed to be filled with water, had limited range, and required a long starting time (up to 45 minutes).Electric vehicles were easy to drive and were excellent for short round-trip journeys in cities. However, gasoline cars began to gain a growing market share, which had been limited until then by some flaws such as manual transmission, difficult engine starting (requiring a crank), and loud noise.Soon, the situation changed: the widespread adoption of electric cars in the United States was limited by the lack of electricity in rural areas, the low cost of gasoline, and the lower cost of combustion vehicles. Batteries also became a limiting factor. They were heavy and required a complicated and lengthy recharging process based on fixed generators. The definitive turning point came when Charles F. Kettering patented an electric starter motor for gasoline cars, eliminating the cumbersome crank. The gasoline car boomBy 1935, electric vehicles had nearly disappeared. Cheap gasoline and continuous improvements to the internal combustion engine hindered the demand for alternative fuel vehicles and cemented the dominance of gasoline vehicles, leaving electric vehicles in decline for almost 40 years. In the 1970s, there was a renewed interest in electric cars due to rising fuel prices. For example, General Motors developed a prototype urban electric vehicle, and even NASA conducted experiments.However, electric vehicles still had several drawbacks compared to gasoline cars, such as limited range, low maximum speeds, and little consumer interest. The lack of public interest did not discourage scientists and engineers from experimenting. Over the next 20 years, automakers tried to produce models with satisfactory range and performance. The resurgence of electric carsOne of the most significant breakthroughs was the introduction of the Toyota Prius, launched in Japan in 1997 (later sold worldwide), which became the first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. In 2003, entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning founded Tesla Motors. Three years later, in 2006, the Silicon Valley company announced that it would start producing an electric sports car capable of traveling over 320 km on a single charge.Tesla's well-known success encouraged many major automakers to accelerate work on their electric vehicles. At the same time, new battery technologies entered the market, contributing to improved range and reduced costs of batteries for electric vehicles. Interest grew over time, reaching two million electric vehicles in circulation by the end of 2016, a number that reached 16 million by the end of 2021. Present dayThe recent past is evident to all: more and more automakers have begun producing electric cars, technology improves year by year, and more and more modes of transportation – urban and otherwise – are beginning to have their electric counterparts. Companies like Plenitude and its subsidiary Be Charge are part of this journey thanks to a growing charging network that now counts more than 20,000 charging points installed in Europe and over 300,000 usable points through the app.

Fully electric vehicles are still a niche in the Italian market. However, the numbers are expected to increase in the coming years. Let's explore the features of e-mobility to understand how we need to change our approach to mobility, both in cities and for long distances. Here are 10 things to know and share. INDEX:10 things to know about electric carsFor both city and long-distance travelersIn 2022, 1,316,702 new cars were registered in Italy. Of these, 49,536 were fully electric, according to Unrae. Overall, it's estimated that around 130,000 pure electric cars were on the roads in Italy as of January 2022, based on MOTUS E data. E-mobility is crucial in the shift towards zero CO2 emissions as these vehicles are the most efficient in terms of energy use, with 70% of the energy generated by the batteries being transferred to the wheels, compared to roughly 25% for current internal combustion engines.The “pure” electric car market still represents a small niche (3.7% of the whole car market) in Italy, yet it holds significant potential for growth in the years ahead. These models offer numerous advantages, but fully appreciating them necessitates a radical shift in mindset. Adopting electric mobility requires embracing a new approach to driving and vehicle use.10 things to know about electric cars1 - Electric car models do not feature a clutch pedal or gear shift lever. They operate similarly to automatic cars: drivers can simply choose their drive mode and press the accelerator. When released, the car gradually slows to a stop.2 - The dashboard is different from an internal combustion engine car: there is no tachometer, but rather a voltmeter or an instant energy consumption indicator. Instead of a fuel gauge, an indicator displays the remaining battery range.3 - The range of an electric car's battery varies depending on the model and usage. Generally, it covers fewer kilometres than a traditional internal combustion engine car. The range can vary between a minimum of 100 km to a maximum of 550 km.4 - In cold weather, the performance of an electric car's battery may decrease. However, it is difficult to estimate the reduction in kilometres because the battery can be recharged using the kinetic energy produced by braking.5 - You can charge an electric car at home using a standard 3 KW power system. To prevent home blackouts, you can install a wall box, which is safer and charges faster than a standard outlet.6 - Charging costs vary based on the location: home charging typically involves a slower rate, whereas public stations may offer faster charging options. Costs generally range from 0.25 to 0.30 euros per kWh. For a car with a 50 kWh battery, a full charge would cost between 12.50 and 15 euros (source: Be Charge).7 - The lights and on-board instrumentation use the same battery energy. It's important to use the heating and air conditioning systems cautiously, always monitoring the battery life to ensure optimal autonomy.8 - Maintenance is minimal because there are no engine parts affected by fuel combustion. Brake wear is also reduced due to the kinetic energy recovery system, which slows the car down when the accelerator is released. The brake pedal is used only for the final stop.9 - All electric cars come with a warranty that guarantees at least 70% residual battery capacity after 8 years or approximately 150,000 km.10 - In the event of rain or snow, there are no safety risks with an electric motor, which is insulated and therefore cannot transmit electricity to those on board or nearby. In case of a malfunction, the high-voltage system automatically shuts down.For both city and long-distance travelersIt is essential to learn how to plan long journeys, as it's necessary to know where charging stations are located along the route. Various apps (like those from operators) offer the ability to locate charging points on a map, allowing travelers to plan a journey by entering the starting point and destination. Particularly important for international trips is the possibility of eRoaming between operators.Attention must also be paid to service equipment. In Europe, the most common cable is the Type 1, which supports both single-phase and three-phase charging up to 22 kW. For AC charging, it’s usually necessary to use CHAdeMO and CCS Combo 1 and 2. The former allows for fast charging up to 50 kW, while the latter standard supports charging at both slow and up to 50 kW fast charging stations.For those who use electric cars in urban settings and for short-range travel, careful management of vehicle use is advisable. Planning trips that follow more linear routes can help reduce battery consumption: not necessarily the shortest one, but the one with fewer hills or uneven sections.