Powertrain Optimization for Electric Vehicles

This thesis presents a comprehensive powertrain optimization methodology that effectively captures the key design trade-offs impacting vehicle performance, both within individual components and across them. The method relies on detailed performance and cost models for all the powertrain components considered, including the electrical machine, power electronics converter, and mechanical transmission. By optimizing the entire system rather than individual components, this approach is able to identify optimal powertrain solutions within a specific set of constraints. The proposed methodology has been applied to compare various machine topologies for a specific application, evaluate the advantages of platform-level versus vehicle-level powertrain optimization, and optimize 4-Wheel Drive powertrains with multiple traction machines.