Vehicle Electronics: Automotive Electrical Systems, Motors & Controls Guide
Vehicle electronics covers the electrical and electronic systems that power, control and connect a modern vehicle, from circuits, sensors and motors to x-by-wire and battery systems. These guides explain the fundamentals and show how they apply in cars, off-road vehicles, trains and ships.
- Start here
- Circuit fundamentals & components
- Electric motors
- Engine & vehicle controls
- Batteries & electrified systems
- FAQ
Start here
The big picture of vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems Explained
How a car’s electrical and electronic systems fit together, from the ground up.
Vehicle Systems Explained
How the major systems of a car work together and affect each other.
X-By-Wire Systems Explained
How electronic controls are replacing mechanical and hydraulic linkages.
Circuit fundamentals & components
The building blocks behind every vehicle electrical system.
Electric motors
The machines that turn electrical energy into motion.
Engine & vehicle controls
Feedback and electronic control in everyday automotive systems.
Batteries & electrified systems
Electrical architecture in batteries, off-road vehicles, trains and ships.
Battery Thermal Management 101
Why battery thermal management matters for lithium-ion packs.
Off-Road Vehicle Electrical Architecture
Electrical components and architecture in off-road vehicles.
Hybrid Trains & Locomotives
How hybrid electrical systems work in rail.
Hybrid & Electric Ship Propulsion
How shipboard electrical systems are arranged.
Frequently asked questions
What are vehicle electronics?
Vehicle electronics are the electrical and electronic systems in a vehicle, including the battery and power distribution, sensors, actuators, electronic control units and the networks that connect them.
What is x-by-wire?
X-by-wire is a term for electronically controlled systems that replace traditional mechanical or hydraulic connections, such as throttle, steering and braking linkages, with sensors, actuators and control software.
How does cruise control work?
Cruise control is a closed-loop feedback system. It measures the vehicle’s actual speed, compares it with the driver’s target speed and adjusts the throttle to reduce the difference.
What does an ignition system do?
In a spark-ignition engine, the ignition system generates a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture just before each combustion stroke.
Prefer a simple list? See every article in the Vehicle Electronics category, or browse all categories.