How do electric car motors work?

electric technology and motor components

No cylinders or pistons and no exhaust gases... the motor of an electric car is built based on a set of parts designed to convert electricity into mechanical energy.

The motor uses a current to generate a magnetic field on the static part of the machine (stator), which, as it moves, will set in motion a rotating part (rotor) thus driving the vehicle’s wheels.

Over the last 10 years, focusing on French manufacturing and expertise, Renault has been adapting this technology to today’s and tomorrow’s mobility challenges.

how does a Renault E-Tech electric motor work?

Discover the components of an electric vehicle below.

E-Tech electric - how the motor works - Renault

powertrains Renault E-Tech electric technology

the CMF-EV platform
what advantages?
and the future?

Renault Megane E-Tech electric’s CMF-EV platform

This CMF-EV platform is fitted with a 60 kWh ultra-slim battery and a compact 160 kW electric motor. A fully flat floor, a very low centre of gravity, an optimised weight distribution and a longer wheelbase give the car greater agility and interior space.

discover Megane E-Tech electric

E-Tech 100% electric - advantages - Renault

what advantages?

Renault E-Tech electric is innovative technology providing a unique and intuitive driving experience.

Up to 300 km WLTP (40 kWh battery) or 470 km WLTP (60 kWh battery)
Universal charging solutions: AC 7 kW, AC 22 kW, DC 130 kW
Heat pump and new smart energy recovery system to maximise overall efficiency, and therefore driving range
Towing capacity (900 kg braked, 750 kg unbraked) and roof box carriage capacity (80 kg)

find out more about the advantages of electric vehicles

Renault’s vision for the future

Renault is working on improving the performance of our electric motors. We want to develop more efficient electric motors in order to reduce consumption and therefore improve driving range.

We also plan to intensify production on our French Douai and Cléon sites.

your questions about electric motors

What is the difference between an electric car and a hybrid car?

The main difference between an electric car and a hybrid car is the powertrain and batteries.

An electric car has a specific motor only powered by the electrical energy from a battery.

A hybrid car has a combustion-powered engine combined with 1 or 2 electric motors.

A hybrid car will have a longer driving range than an electric car because the combustion-powered engine will be able to take over from the electric motors.
Nevertheless, an electric car has up to 470 km of WLTP driving range (Renault Megane E-Tech).
An electric car is more environmentally friendly than a hybrid car because it does not emit CO₂ (a hybrid car still pollutes less than a car with only a combustion-powered engine).

find out more about the driving range of electric cars

Are electric vehicles powerful?

Yes. In reality, the motors of current electric cars are potentially just as powerful as combustion-powered engines. They also have a greater capacity to accelerate on start-up and therefore offer sharper, smoother pick-up.

Not all electric cars have the same power balance; everything depends on the size of the motor and the battery capacity. So the power depends on the performance specific to each model of electric vehicle.

What are the specific features of the electric car?

The main specific feature of an electric car is its motor.

It is an electric motor and not a combustion-powered engine. It is therefore not powered by petrol or diesel but by the electricity from a battery located inside the vehicle.

Its power and driving range vary depending on the model. For example, Renault Megane E-Tech electric has a driving range of up to 470 km (WLTP standard).and can reach up to 220 hp.

Other special features:

Smooth and comfortable driving, no gearbox, no noises or odours, but with dynamic pick-up.
Practical and cost-effective full charging as the battery can be charged at home on the mains or at a public charging point.
More environmentally friendly to run as the only particles emitted by the vehicle come from the brakes or tyre abrasions.

find out more about the advantages of electric vehicles