How do you compare vehicle dynamics and control for conventional and electric vehicles?

1 Powertrain configuration

One of the most obvious differences between conventional and electric vehicles is the powertrain configuration, which refers to how the engine, transmission, and wheels are connected and controlled. Conventional vehicles usually have a single engine that drives the wheels through a mechanical transmission, which can be manual, automatic, or continuously variable. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, can have one or more electric motors that drive the wheels directly or through a simple gear reduction. This means that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, lower maintenance costs, and higher efficiency than conventional vehicles. However, electric vehicles also have limitations, such as lower range, higher weight, and longer charging time than conventional vehicles.

3 Lateral dynamics

Lateral dynamics refer to how a vehicle turns and maneuvers around its vertical axis, which is affected by the steering system, the suspension system, and the tire forces. Conventional and electric vehicles have different lateral dynamics due to their different weight distribution and center of gravity. Conventional vehicles usually have a front-heavy weight distribution, as the engine is located at the front of the vehicle, and a higher center of gravity, as the fuel tank is located at the bottom of the vehicle. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, can have a more balanced weight distribution, as the battery pack can be located at the center or the rear of the vehicle, and a lower center of gravity, as the battery pack can be located at the floor of the vehicle. This means that electric vehicles have better handling and stability than conventional vehicles, as they have less understeer or oversteer tendencies and less body roll. However, electric vehicles also have higher inertia and lower cornering stiffness than conventional vehicles, as they have higher mass and wider tires.

4 Control systems

Control systems refer to how a vehicle is regulated and controlled by various sensors, actuators, and algorithms, which aim to improve the vehicle performance, safety, and comfort. Conventional and electric vehicles have different control systems due to their different powertrain and dynamics characteristics. Conventional vehicles usually have control systems such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and cruise control, which use hydraulic or mechanical actuators to modulate the brake or engine torque. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, can have more advanced control systems such as regenerative braking, traction control, and torque vectoring, which use electric or electromagnetic actuators to modulate the motor torque. This means that electric vehicles have more flexibility and functionality than conventional vehicles, as they can recover energy, prevent wheel slip, and distribute torque among the wheels. However, electric vehicles also have more complexity and uncertainty than conventional vehicles, as they have nonlinear and coupled dynamics and limited battery capacity.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?