Comparative Performance Analysis of Electric Motors for Vehicle Propulsion: Why PMSMs Lead the Charge

In recent years, there has been an increasing global interest among academics in the creation of vehicles that are based on alternative sources of energy in general, and electric vehicles in particular. Their developments have been accelerated by the fast-paced technological developments over the course of the past two decades. Electric vehicles have hence seen a significant rise in production and popularity among the masses. This research paper provides insights into motor selection for EV propulsion systems, contributing to the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions by identifying the most suitable motor technologies for varying operational scenarios. Electric motors are the central cog for electric vehicles and are required to possess specific properties, such as a high power density, a high efficiency, a high-speed range, a low torque ripple, a high starting torque, high reliability, and a decreased weight. Key parameters for electric motors, such as output power and torque densities, are necessary for efficient deployment in electric vehicle propulsion systems. In this research paper, a comprehensive comparative study has been conducted between different motors suitable for electric vehicles in order to evaluate their performance in five different operating conditions, viz. starting, Low-speed running, acceleration, high-speed running, and Braking of electric vehicles, based on their torque and speed characteristics. Among the four types of motors analyzed under different operating conditions, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) exhibit superior performance due to their high efficiency, wide speed range, and excellent torque characteristics.