Impact of lightweight design on energy consumption and cost effectiveness of alternative powertrain concepts

Abstract

This study analyses the impact of weight reduction on the energy consumption and related costs for different advanced electric powertrain concepts. Several hybrid architecures and a full battery electric vehicle are assessed and compared to a concentional car with internal combustion engine. To evaluate the effects of lightweight on fuel economy a large set of parameter variations was performed applying a vehicle simulation tool. The simulation results were integrated in a total cost of ownership model to analyze a vehicle simulation tool. The simulation results were integrated in a total cost of ownership.