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Feasibility Study of an Innovative Urban Electric-Hybrid Microcar

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Abstract

This paper presents the feasibility study of a new platform for electric-hybrid quadricycles, developed by addressing important concepts like passive safety and comfort, which often represent a shortcoming in this vehicle category. Starting from packaging of energy storage system and macroscopic subsystems as the main technological constraint, the study has been entirely developed in a virtual environment, with finite element verifications on preliminary models, and a subsequent cooperation phase between computer aided design and finite element analysis softwares, with a guideline for the main tests being that each could feasibly be carried out on a complete vehicle model in order to validate the original assumptions. The resulting design, with a body curb mass of less than 100 kg, was capable of integrating optimal static stiffness characteristics and crash performance, together with improved vehicle dynamics thanks to an innovative suspension archetype.

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Abbreviations

EV:

electric vehicle

PHEV:

plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

CAD:

computer aided design

FEA:

finite element analysis

NEDC:

new European driving cycle

NYCC:

New York city cycle

EM:

electric motor

ICE:

internal combustion engine

IPMSM:

internal permanent magnet synchronous machines

SPM:

surface-mounted permanent magnet

ABS:

anti-blocking system

OPF:

one pedal feeling

CFRP:

carbon fiber reinforced plastic

MGU:

motor generation unit

BMS:

battery management system

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy

    Alessandro Ferraris, Alessandro Messana, Andrea Giancarlo Airale & Massimiliana Carello

  2. BeonD, C.so Castelfidardo 30/a, Turin, 10129, Italy

    Federico Micca

Authors
  1. Alessandro Ferraris
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  2. Federico Micca
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  3. Alessandro Messana
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  4. Andrea Giancarlo Airale
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  5. Massimiliana Carello
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Massimiliana Carello.

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Ferraris, A., Micca, F., Messana, A. et al. Feasibility Study of an Innovative Urban Electric-Hybrid Microcar. Int.J Automot. Technol. 20, 237–246 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-019-0023-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-019-0023-x

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