Author_Institution :
Westinghouse Electr. Corp., Baltimore, MD, USA
Abstract :
In 1991, Westinghouse began the electric power train development of an AC induction system for electric vehicles and had a working prototype in six months. Working with Chrysler, the system was installed into a minivan and completed a full range of performance testing. This system continues to undergo vehicle testing and has not experienced a single hardware failure. Regenerative braking converts the vehicle kinetic energy into battery energy to extend range and can double friction brake life. The motor operates over a wide speed range eliminating the need for gear changing. It has smooth response and is expected to be maintenance-free for more than 100000 miles. This quiet, environmentally clean system has none of the traditional components that need scheduled maintenance such as oil, antifreeze, filters, spark plugs, hoses or belts. The use of this motor in minivans, pickup trucks, and buses is described
Keywords :
electric propulsion; electric vehicles; induction motor drives; regenerative braking; Chrysler; Westinghouse EV programs; battery energy; buses; electric vehicles; friction brake life; minivan; performance testing; pickup trucks; regenerative braking; vehicle kinetic energy; vehicle testing; Anti-freeze; Battery powered vehicles; Electric vehicles; Friction; Gears; Hardware; Kinetic energy; Petroleum; Prototypes; System testing;