The evolution of the automobile

Electronics may become most significant component

For over 100 years now, the internal combustion engine (ICE) has been the most important single component of an automobile. Power, economy of operation, maintenance – all of these have hinged on the engine under the hood. While it is true that fuel economy has not improved dramatically since the introduction of the ICE, power and efficiency have. Because of the seeming abundance of oil, the focus was never on improving fuel economy. The focus has always been on maintaining fuel economy while providing more power. After all, the Ford Model T achieved fuel economy ratings from 13 miles per gallon to 21 miles per gallon. In other words, easily within the range of many vehicles produced today. While the Model T four cylinder produced 20 horsepower, fuel economy in this range is now easily achieved by vehicles producing over 300 horsepower with a V8 engine. The focus finally seems to be changing from “more power” to “better fuel economy”. Certainly, gains have been made, but corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) is not significantly greater today than it was 100 years ago though it was not known by that name then.

With the advent of hybrid and full battery electric vehicles (EVs), the electronics spread around the vehicle are a significant contributing factor to vehicle efficiency. To that end, Freescale Semiconductor and Fuji Electric Systems have partnered to produce a semiconductor optimized for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. Without getting into the nuts and bolts of operation, these semiconductors are found in wind- and solar-powered systems and robots. These chips are highly efficient, which makes them ideal for an automotive application such as the EV. And when EVs are compared to ICE vehicles, the number of semiconductors used is significantly greater.

These discussions into technology may not be as interesting as the latest high mileage achievement in your EV, but they may ultimately prove to be more relevant to getting more mileage out of your next EV.

Source: GIGAOM