Electric vehicle powertrain simulation to optimize battery and vehicle performances

Abstract

The design of a full electric vehicle requires the development and optimization of a complete electric powertrain, including battery, power electronics, electric machine, sensors and control system. When designing an electrical platform, from the very beginning of the V-cycle, it is mandatory to rely on modeling and simulation tools in order to drive the main choices and then to optimize the system. The paper presents an electric powertrain simulation platform developed under Matlab-Simulink, with the intention of optimizing performances and powertrain efficiency (highly linked with vehicle range). This platform is used in order to choose battery technology (Lithium-Ion, Nickel-Cadmium...) and dimensioning according to criteria and driving cycles.