Battery electric vehicles: Progress, power electronic converters, strength (S), weakness (W), opportunity (O), and threats (T)

Abstract

The rely on internal combustion engines is gradually decreased with the recent evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive industry. Electric motors are replacing the energy systems mainly to improve the powertrain's efficiency and ensure they are environmentally friendly. These novel powertrains are designed to operate solely on batteries or supercapacitors. For these types of EVs, the battery is charged using an alternating current supply in connection to the grid in the case of plug-in electric vehicles. Internal combustion engines are equally used for some hybrid vehicles. Charging of the battery can also be carried out via regenerative braking from the traction motor. This study presents a brief background about the different available EVs, detailed information on various power converter electronics used in battery electric vehicles, and a summary of the strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) of the EV is presented. Moreover, SWOT analysis of the battery electric vehicles (BEV) and their prospects in the automotive industry are introduced.