Performance modelling of electric three wheelers on indian roads and development of range extension strategy

Abstract

In terms of point-to-point connectivity and convenience, internal combustion engine powered three-wheeler auto rickshaws are the most preferred mode of public transport in India and some other Asian countries for short-distance commuting within a city and its environs. Since three-wheeler auto rickshaws are the most preferred mode of public transport, the number of these commercial passenger vehicles is also increasing day by day as the population increases. In view of the fact that these vehicles have engines, requiring fuel to carry out the combustion process and after combustion, they emit hazardous gases such as CO2, NOx and much more, which are not only harmful to the environment but also pose a threat to human health. To mitigate the adverse impacts of conventional internal combustion engines, a reliable, modern, and alternative solution is needed. For this reason alone, the automobile sector is transitioning to a new generation of eco-friendly electric vehicles. The electric vehicle revolution in India is being spearheaded by the development of pure electric three-wheeler auto rickshaws, but its popularity is curtailed by factors such as energy storage demand and range extension. This research work attempts to fill this gap by simulating a pure electric three-wheeler auto rickshaw, following Indian driving cycle and modified Indian driving cycle, with all essential parameters to calculate its energy, power, and torque demands as well as the battery pack capacity using Microsoft Excel. An approach is outlined for conserving energy or leveraging the conserved energy to extend the overall range of the vehicle. A detailed comparison has been made between the amount of energy gained through 40% and 50% regenerative braking and energy saved by driving in energy saving mode (following modified Indian driving cycle, where velocity is capped at 20 kmh-1) for the last 25 km, resulting in an increase of 39.29% & 45.30%, and 85.12% & 91.95% in range, respectively.