Energy-saving driving mode for PHEV drivers based on energy cycle model

Reducing fuel consumption is a big challenge for car manufacturers when designing efficient vehicles and is also one of main concerns for car drivers. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has been widely accepted as a good solution to fuel consumption reduction and also a suitable choice for routine commute. In this paper, how to reduce fuel consumption and to improve energy efficiency of PHEV are considered from the perspective of drivers for both regular routes and occasional routes. The concept of energy cycle is developed to illustrate the whole fuel consumption during a driving cycle. The way how to build an energy cycle model is discussed based on black box theory to describe the relationship between fuel consumption and factors such as vehicle velocity, road grade, acceleration, deceleration etc. Based on the energy cycle model, energy-saving driving modes can be derived for drivers on both routes. This enables drivers to be active to drive in an energy-saving way, and is helpful for car manufactures to design energy-saving vehicles.