Generation of Drive Cycles for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Driving range is one of the major challenges for electric vehicles (EVs). Range primarily is defined by the battery pack's available energy. However, considering the same vehicle, the range depends on the user or the driving pattern. Recent controversies regarding range claimed by the EV manufacturers have raised many questions. The claimed range of any EV is usually based on standard drive cycles. Some of the standard drive cycles need to be modified as the customer requirements are changing. Driving pattern also varies depending on the vehicle segment. At the same time in a country like India as driving cycle and pattern varies across demography, how a new standard driving cycle can be generated is a question to be answered. In order to predict the driving range of any EV, as well as the battery lifetime and warranty of battery pack, real world driving profile needs to be considered. Therefore, selection of right driving profile is crucial for EV. In this review article, the generation of driving profile and its different characteristics, especially for EVs, are discussed in detail.