E Van

This project requires a consortium approach for a systems-based development and management strategy to deliver an integrated electric vehicle (EV) architecture on a Ford Transit. However, the technology is equally applicable to cars and large trucks. This architecture and system design will develop a predicted 15-20% improvement in vehicle energy efficiency (vs current best in class electric vehicles). To achieve optimum system development and effective integration, the project is divided into 3 subsystems:-
1) The application of next generation, high efficiency permanent magnet motor and inverter technology, multi-speed smart transmission and dedicated central vehicle systems controller.
2) Development of smart high voltage auxillary components and subsystems. It is predicted that this architecture will reduce overall auxillary loads from 4kW to 1.2kW, realising an overall energy reduction improvement for a Transit operating on the legislative NEDCL cycle.
3) Centralisation and optimisation of the vehicle control system using an integrated systems engineering approach. This strategy is mandatory to the delivery of 1) and 2) above and will provide a small incremental increase (1-2%) in its own application