Power train trade-offs for electric and hybrid vehicles

Design trade-off studies for electric and hybrid vehicles are performed, including a computer-aided synthesis of vehicle designs and second-by-second simulations of vehicle operation. Both dc and ac electric drive systems are considered along with various types of batteries, such as nickel-zinc and lithium-sulfur. All the driveline components are characterized in terms of size, weight, cost, and operating characteristics. Detailed comparisons are made of the total vehicle weight and initial and ownership costs of vehicles utilizing various driveline configurations and components. The comparisons are made for a specified passenger-carrying capability, electric range, and power-to-weight ratio. The most promising of the electric and hybrid vehicle designs synthesized are studied in detail on several driving cycles to determine their energy-use (electricity and fuel) and acceleration capability. The electric and hybrid vehicles are compared with conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles of the 1985 time period.