Automotive Electrification: The Nonhybrid Story

The electrification of the automobile has a long history. Electric and hybrid vehicles are actually only a small part of it, albeit presently the most visible and the one getting the most attention in popular media. This paper will focus on the rest of the story, i.e., aspects of transportation electrification other than hybrid or fully electric propulsion systems. Recent progress (last 10-20 years) and current work on the electrification of road transport, from chassis to powertrains, will be reviewed with a focus on electromechanical systems. In the process, the numerous challenges engineers have overcome or have yet to solve will be highlighted, thus illustrating the many different ways electrical engineering is making its mark in providing more performant, more efficient, safer, and more pleasant means of personal transportation.