Optimization of an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle

Abstract

Under the current technical circumstances, the high cost of the electrical vehicle is the biggest problem of the mass marketization. So how to reduce the cost on the promise that the dynamic performance requirements be meet becomes more and more important. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to optimize an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle’s parameters taking minimum drivetrain cost and the best fuel economy as objectives. Design parameters, including electric motor peak power, engine rated power, and battery capacity are reasonably set. The simulation result illustrates that a set of vehicle dynamic performance constraints are met, in the same time the production cost is reduced and the fuel economy is improved. Further study should optimize the control strategy variables, too. Thus, the fuel economy can be optimized in a further extent. What’s new of this study in the field is taking production cost as one of the objectives to optimize the powertrain parameters. According to the ADVISOR simulation result, the fuel economy have been significantly improved and production cost has been reduced.

F2012-B02-009