Vehicle performance simulation of a 3-wheeler Cargo electric vehicle using model-based approach and Validation of drive cycle data

Electric vehicle development is at the core of the next generation of last mile commercial vehicles. These vehicles will be used for delivery purposes over routine routes within a city. Realizing the performance requirement of such a vehicle involves concise choice of Battery capacity and Powertrain to deliver consistent performance with a desirable range for the end user. The model-based performance simulation helps in evaluating the performance characteristics of the vehicle in the early stage of development. The Product development process encounters various challenges in terms of product cost, design, and identification of the required specification for the Battery, Powertrain, and vehicle architecture. The model-based approach is used in this scenario for performing the foundational analysis to evaluate the range, acceleration, gradeability along with Component sizing to determine the optimum specification needed in the motor and Battery capacity to reach the specified targets. This paper comprises of the complete model development approach for a 3-wheeler platform and the evaluation of multiple parameters that define the vehicle performance characteristics. The results of the cargo vehicle are validated with the actual vehicle drive cycle data and the 1D model is improved upon by carrying out the sensitivity analysis and cost down calibration. Further, we have also enabled the vehicle model with the different drive modes – Eco and Boost mode which limit the vehicle max. speed and aids in extending the range by a significant value. Our scope of work covers the model development, performance simulation and the methodology of validation of simulated results. A very correlation was established with the Test and the simulation results.