The great goal of electrifying personal transportation isn't to lighten your wallet. Anyone who wants to buy a new car and is thinking about which drive is better to choose should be aware of this.
The cost structure of an electric vehicle is completely different from that of a traditional combustion engine: there are no spark plugs, no air filter, no oil or belt changes, virtually no maintenance on the drive components, and less wear on the brake pads thanks to the electric motor's recuperative function. But all these benefits are offset by the battery life, because the cost of replacing it can easily exceed the residual value of the car.
Next, we'll conduct an analysis across different vehicle classes to determine whether electric drive or hybrid propulsion could be a more cost-effective alternative, and in what areas and general conditions the electric vehicles available today might pay off.
When to give your child his first electric car
According to the manufacturers, they produce models of children's electric vehicles designed for different age categories. The model range of most well-known manufacturers includes electric cars designed for riding by one or two children aged 1 year and older. Therefore, if parents have a sufficient budget, they can please their child with a fantastic toy already in the second year, after his birth.
This gift has several positive aspects:
- having your own electric car, the child will feel more mature;
- many functions will allow you not only to ride, but also to come up with a variety of games with
- involving a vehicle;
- a toy with an electric motor develops a sense of balance (when purchasing an electric motorcycle) and coordination of movements;
- the child develops a sense of responsibility, especially when he rides with friends;
- while driving, parents can playfully introduce the child to the rules of the road, as well as teach basic driving skills;
- kids who have problems communicating with peers will be able to attract the attention of other children, increase communication skills, increase self-confidence, make new acquaintances and, perhaps, find a best friend for life;
- Compared to the amount of money that parents give to owners of children's car rentals, buying a children's electric car will cost very little.
Of course, not everyone is able to buy a children's electric car, so when giving such a gift to your child, it is necessary to explain that a toy is not a reason to be arrogant and behave arrogantly.
Types of modern electric motors
Electric motors differ in the type of supply voltage:
- AC motor
- DC motor
according to the number of phases of the supply network:
- Single-phase electric motor. With one working winding, connected to a single-phase AC network;
- Two-phase electric motor. It has two windings, shifted in space by 90 degrees;
- Three-phase electric motor. It is connected to a three-phase alternating current network, has 3 windings, the magnetic fields of which are located at 120 degrees.
by design:
- Collector. The current switch in the windings and the rotor position sensor is the same device - a brush-collector assembly. It operates primarily on direct current, but modern electric motors, the so-called universal commutator motors, can simultaneously operate on direct and alternating current;
- Brushless. DC valve motors are designed as a closed system with a rotor position sensor, an inverter and a coordinate converter.
according to the operating principle:
- Synchronous electric motor. An electromechanical machine in which the rotor rotates synchronously with an alternating current magnetic field;
- Asynchronous electric motor. The rotor speed of an AC asynchronous motor does not coincide with the speed of rotation of the magnetic field, which is created by the current in the stator winding.
and according to the method of excitation:
- with excitation from permanent magnets;
- with parallel excitation;
- with sequential excitation;
- with series-parallel.
Classification of cars with an electric motor for children
The operating principle of 90% of children's electric vehicles presented on the domestic market is the same, it does not depend on age. Cars for children from 1 to 8 years old have a common operating principle: the start is carried out by pressing the pedal, and when you release it, the vehicle begins to brake until it comes to a complete stop.
The main difference between vehicles is their shape, technical characteristics, the presence of additional equipment and functional features. In general, children's electric cars are classified into the following categories:
By engine power and battery consumption
Before buying a children's electric car, you should check its battery life, battery capacity, how long they will be charged, the number and power of engines. It will be a shame if the car is low-powered, allows you to drive for less than an hour on one charge and does not meet the child’s expectations.
When choosing a car, you should proceed from the following rules:
- for the little ones, one 6 V battery is enough;
- for children from 3 to 7 years old, you should choose a car with one 12-volt or two 6-volt batteries;
- a child aged 8 to 10 wants to ride longer and faster, which 24 V batteries can provide.
Age category
It is recommended to choose a children's electric car based on the age of the child. Small children require increased care and increased safety, while adults want a powerful and fast electric car, which should be taken into account before purchasing.
1-2 years
Most often at this age they buy a wheelchair with a built-in battery. The little driver sits on top and controls the vehicle using the steering wheel and pedals. While driving, its actions are controlled by an adult using a remote control connected via radio or Bluetooth.
An electric car for little ones has one engine that transmits power only to the front or rear axle. This car starts smoothly and has a speed limiter (up to 2 km/h). Smooth braking occurs when the child releases the gas pedal. The machine is light weight (up to 10 kg), compact dimensions (height up to 50 cm) and is designed to accommodate one or two children with a total weight of no more than 20 kg.
Manufacturers install a fairly simple electrical package, sufficient for children of this age: luminous headlights, a signal, a system for simulating the sound of an engine.
From 3 to 7 years
At this age, you can buy a battery electric car not only with four, but also with three and even two wheels. Most models in this age segment can accelerate to a speed of 4-7 km/h, have a horn, LED backlighting, a built-in radio and the ability to move not only forward, but also backward.
In electric vehicles stylized as an ATV or motorcycle, instead of a gas pedal, there is an accelerator handle located on the steering wheel, like in a real motorcycle. Children's battery-powered cars for children from 3 to 7 years old can carry a child weighing up to 30 kg.
From 8 to 10 years
Kids at this age consider themselves adults and want to imitate them in everything. Therefore, children's electric cars for children from 8 to 10 years old are maximally stylized as adults. To achieve realism, some manufacturers enter into licensing agreements with such well-known brands as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Hummer, Jeep, Lamborghini, Maserati, Nissan, Porsche, Range Rover and others. Such an agreement allows us to produce exact copies of real models that correspond not only in design, but also in speed characteristics. The development of new modifications is carried out under the control of designers and engineers of auto giants, which allows us to offer high quality products. A child who dreams of a real BMW or Jeep will be delighted if he is given an exact copy of a real car.
To drive such a car, primary skills are already required; some vehicles are equipped with a multi-speed gearbox, which allows you to adjust the power, which allows you to change the dynamics of acceleration, ride over rough terrain and force obstacles and slopes. The cabin contains an instrument panel, a radio, and two pedals (gas and brake). Depending on the model, from one to four electric motors can be installed, transmitting torque to two or 4 wheels.
This car is reliable and powerful; children weighing up to 50 kg can ride on it.
Traction motor
If you decide to put an ordinary electric motor under the hood of your car, then most likely nothing will come of it. And all because you need an electric traction motor (TEM). It differs from conventional electric motors in its greater power, ability to produce greater torque, small dimensions and low weight.
Batteries are used to power the traction motor. They can be recharged from external sources (“from an outlet”), from solar panels, from a generator installed in a car, or in recuperation mode (self-replenishment of charge).
Electric vehicle engines are most often powered by lithium-ion batteries. TED usually operates in two modes - motor and generator. In the latter case, it replenishes the spent energy reserve when switching to neutral speed.
Types of cars by shape and manufacturer
Children's electric cars come in completely different colors and shapes, so parents are guaranteed to be able to choose an option that is ideal for their child in all respects. The model range of each manufacturer includes:
- jeeps;
- cars;
- motorcycles;
- tractors;
- ATVs;
- agricultural machinery;
- sports.
Depending on whether your child likes to watch races or prefers to play builder, fireman or policeman, you can choose an electric car of the appropriate form factor for him. In addition to models for boys, there is a whole line of children's battery-powered cars for little ladies. These cars have distinctive interior and exterior colors and are often decorated with stickers of popular cartoon characters.
What you should pay attention to before buying a car with an electric motor
The choice of children's electric transport should be taken seriously. The wrong choice of model, color and technical characteristics can cause inconvenience to both the baby and the parents, which will not allow achieving the planned positive effect of the gift.
Dimensions and load capacity
Load-bearing structure and rigidity are important parameters that affect not only the safety of the baby, but also the load capacity and overall service life. The body frame takes on all types of loads, both static (weight of parts mechanisms, weight of a child) and dynamic (contact with obstacles, sudden entry into the cabin).
When buying a children's electric car, you should pay attention not only to the dimensions of the body, interior, as well as the load capacity declared by the manufacturer, but also to the material from which the frame is made. Having an all-metal frame onto which an impact-resistant body is attached is the best option. Such a car is capable of protecting a child in case of a mini-accident, and will also last for many years, and can be given to friends or acquaintances when the child grows out of it.
Battery capacity and features of its installation
Depending on the age category, load capacity, dimensions, electric motor power and built-in additional options, the car consumes different amounts of energy. In an effort to make an electric vehicle as autonomous as possible, manufacturers install two types of batteries: integrated and removable. According to experts, it is considered optimal when the machine is capable of operating in active mode for 60-90 minutes, and the charging time does not exceed 8 hours. The advantage of a removable battery is the ability to significantly increase riding time by purchasing additional batteries. This solution will be optimal for families with several children or if an electric car is purchased for kindergarten or rental.
Case quality
As a rule, the more expensive a children's car, the higher the quality of the materials from which the body parts are made and the interior is finished. Luxury cars are made from impact-resistant plastic, painted with automotive paint, covered with several layers of varnish, which makes the electric car as similar as possible to a real vehicle. The interior of a premium car can be trimmed with genuine leather, and the quality of the finish will be the envy of many owners of adult domestic cars.
Clearance
The size of the clearance between the bottom of the electric vehicle and the road surface directly affects a number of characteristics:
- high ground clearance, like on jeeps, allows you to ride on rough terrain, crossing holes and fords;
- Sports models boast low clearance. Due to the low ground clearance, downforce increases, which has a positive effect on the car's handling at high speeds.
Considering the condition of pedestrian paths located in courtyards and parks (places where children most often ride), high ground clearance is an additional protection for the bottom and protruding parts from mechanical damage.
Availability of seat belts
Despite the fact that a children's electric car undergoes mandatory certification by government control authorities, it is a vehicle of increased danger. To protect your child as much as possible, it is recommended to purchase a car with built-in five-point seat belts, which securely secure the driver and passenger in an ergonomic seat. If an accident occurs, the child will not be thrown out of the car and will remain unharmed or receive minimal damage.
Remote control
A children's electric car with remote control allows you to have fun not only for children, but also for adults. Every adult is a child at heart and dreams of owning a radio-controlled car. Having bought a children's electric car, he will be able to play with his child, while controlling his route and speed of travel. The presence of this option in electric vehicles for children under 3 years of age is especially relevant. At this age, children do not always know how to drive a vehicle independently and require invisible help. Your child will feel confident behind the wheel of a car, even if he doesn’t quite know how to drive it. As a rule, manufacturers offer models with two types of remote controls:
- radio controlled;
- Bluetooth connection.
Shock absorption system
As a rule, children's electric cars are designed for driving on smooth and level surfaces, so they are not equipped with wheel shock absorbers. The shock absorption system is often installed on teenage models or premium battery-powered cars (most often on SUVs). The presence of shock absorbers allows you to ride comfortably on sand, gravel and stones, which is important for holiday villages and country houses.
Tires
Inexpensive electric vehicle models are usually equipped with solid plastic wheels, which wear out quickly and require replacement after just two seasons of driving. More expensive models are sold with removable rubber tires that have a special tread that improve cross-country ability and handling. You can replace such tires yourself, and their service life usually significantly exceeds solid tires.
Additional accessories and features
Trying to attract the child’s attention for a long time and make the gameplay as interesting as possible, manufacturers equip children’s electric cars with additional options, including:
- LED illumination of headlights and dimensions;
- instrument panel with battery charge indicator;
- direction indicators;
- a spacious trunk designed to store personal belongings;
- sound effects system simulating engine operation;
- horn, loudspeaker and siren;
- multimedia radio with loud speakers, the ability to play Mp3, radio and an input for connecting external devices such as
- mobile phone or player;
- opening doors and hood.
Children are delighted when they receive an electric car stuffed with the latest technology.
Powerful motor wheels
The leaders in the development of wheeled engines can perhaps be considered the companies Michelen and Protean. While the former has been producing such wheels with a power of 15 kW each for a long time, the latter is engaged in serious research in this area.
An example is the Ford F 150 electric SUV, to which Protean supplied 4 in-wheel motors with a capacity of 100 hp back in 2008. each! True, the weight of one wheel was 31 kg, but it included both a braking system and an active suspension. The active suspension allows you to adjust vibrations that occur while driving in a fraction of a second. This is achieved through electrical signals from the controller.
Due to the fact that a number of car components become unnecessary - transmission, suspension, clutch - control becomes faster and more accurate, because now there is no need to transfer forces through intermediaries.
Manufacturer's choice
The domestic market offers products from Italian, Chinese, Taiwanese and other manufacturers. Italians are famous for their high quality, which directly affects the price of children's electric vehicles. Models from Taiwan and China have an attractive price and good build quality. The list of proven manufacturers of children's cars with an electric motor includes:
- Peg-Perego;
- Toys Toys;
- Akai Toys;
- ChienTi;
- Rastar;
- Toyland;
- Rivertoys
- TCV;
- Autokinder.
As operating experience shows, the price and quality of a children's electric car are related components. The cheaper the car, the higher the likelihood of it breaking down, the lower the service life and the poorer the range of options.
Service and maintenance
In order for children's vehicles to please the little owner for many years, the following rules must be followed:
- do not overload the car;
- ride only on asphalt or concrete, avoiding abrasive surfaces;
- Do not leave the car in the open air overnight. In addition to the fact that it can become prey for intruders, rain and snow can damage electrical components, which will require expensive repairs;
- treat the battery with care: do not recharge, do not drop, avoid complete discharge;
- Regularly lubricate components and mechanisms.
If you are planning to buy a children's electric car while living in an apartment, pay attention to a model with a built-in handle that allows you to conveniently carry the children's vehicle like a regular suitcase.
If a breakdown does occur, you are thinking about tuning, you need to replace the battery or tires, contact our specialized service center, where experienced specialists will help eliminate any malfunction as soon as possible.
