A loss model of electric powertrains to investigate Eco-Driving of Electric Vehicles

One of the major fears for EV drivers is to lack of energy during a journey. To provide eco-driving tips, we develop an original set of loss models of the electric vehicle (EV) components based on a large literature review on physical and numerical approaches for the power losses estimation in EV powertrain components from the wheel to the battery. We then tailor a set of fundamental test scenarios mimicking typical manoeuvres during usual journeys. An equivalent C-segment modern full electric car served as a test car for the numerical applications. Finally, the energy consumption is computed using a backward dynamic scheme and a simulation code implemented in MATLAB. The results showed up to 8.3% difference in energy consumption depending on the driving strategy. The analysis highlighted that a compromise needs to be found between the aerodynamic drag and the power losses in the battery. In turns, the cornering force appears to be an additional key factor of the energy consumption.