Alternator

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alternator

What is an alternator?

An alternator is a part of a vehicle's engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, generating alternating current (AC) to charge the 12v battery and power the electrical systems.

It ensures a continuous supply of electricity to components like lights, radio and air conditioning while the engine is running – it's vital for a healthy running car.

Related Jargon

What is engine displacement in a car?

Engine displacement is a measurement of the total volume of all of an engine’s cylinders, usually written in cubic centimetres (cc), or litres.

What exactly does horsepower refer to in a car?

Horsepower is how the power produced by an engine is measured.

What is meant by an internal combustion engine?

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is the type of engine conventionally found in a car. that uses combustible fuel – usually petrol or diesel – which is mixed with air in the engine's cylinder.

What does brake horsepower (BHP) mean in a car?

Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measurement of how much power a car engine produces.

What is a battery electric vehicle?

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) uses the electrical energy from rechargeable batteries to power an electric motor (or motors).

What does PS mean in car terms?

PS (short for Pferdestärke - Horse Strength in German) is how the power produced by an engine is measured and is defined as metric horsepower.

What does cubic capacity relate to on a car's engine?

The size – or cubic capacity – of a car’s engine is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). It refers to the amount of air and fuel that can be pushed through the cylinders in the engine.

How does an electric vehicle work?

An electric car, also known as a battery electric vehicle or EV, uses one or more electric motors to move the vehicle.