Nowadays, everyone’s talking green. But what does it take to make a green vehicle, well, green? Green vehicles drastically reduce the carbon emissions that enter our atmosphere when on the road, though it’s more than that.
Think of clean energy as a universe that works together to create better air quality — right down to the tiny components that do things like sense road conditions and shut the engine on and off when idling.
The smartest grid
To keep up with the skyrocketing demand for electric energy, there have been huge advances in the grid in the last decade. The smart grid — 
an electricity supply network using digital communications technology — replaces a very old system of wires and power poles with a digital superhighway. Smart grids are used internationally and deliver clean energy from local, renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower that garner energies from the earth and atmosphere without reliance on fossil fuels. The advantages are many and support systems that in the past, created pollution and reliance on precious resources as well as other regions.
Clean automobile plants and factories
Automobile industry manufacturing plants and are often powered by clean energy. The greening of some of these facilities can include self-generated power, advanced recycling programs and even rooftop gardens. They’re green micro-communities that can sustain themselves with net zero energy—only using energy that is produced on-site. These innovations reduce waste and reliance on fossil fuels—now that would be a cool place to work!
Batteries, powertrains and automobiles
A powertrain is a collection of systems that convert stored energy into motion to get you where you need to go. Historically, vehicles are equipped with an engine, transmission, differential and wheels. Modern powertrain components are more intricate with large batteries, a motor/generator, connection to the grid and a complex control system. Both rides will get you there — one’s just gentler on the environment.
Events of the last year demonstrated the importance of clean energy standards across the globe—the emissions scandal in 2015 and other international protests about air quality in urban areas attest to the demand for cleaner transportation. Vehicles have the potential to make a huge difference in reducing energy consumption and emissions. And in the world of green vehicles, it takes a lot of advanced technology to make it happen.
This is where NXP comes in. Through the use of our components, we’re helping the automotive industry increase fuel economy, lower emissions and support the automobile industry’s move toward safer cars. A new breed of integrated brushed DC motor drivers enhance safety and reliability features in vehicle electrification. By replacing mechanical controls with electric motors, these low-power devices reduce overall system power.
Is your vehicle clean? Tell us about it!
Tom Zemites is a Segment Line Manager for motor and gate drive products at NXP, based in Tempe, Arizona. He has written for several industry publications, including EE Times, Electronic Products and MDDI (Medical device and Diagnostics Industry).
