Practical Considerations on the Electrical Safety of the High Power System in a Prototype EV

Abstract

Policies and market demand for eco-friendly transportation systems have drawn increasing attention to EVs. Robust and safe electrical systems are necessary to ensure the consumers' trust in the future generation of electric vehicles. This paper describes a case study dealing with the design and implementation of electrical stability and protection schemes in an electric vehicle. Fundamental safety requirements in EV electrical systems are discussed, whilst considering the integrity of the vehicle's systems in addition to the occupants' safety. The application of system-level protection devices for these requirements is then explored. Finally, the application and verification of the proposed protection circuit is described, in the process of designing and developing an electric vehicle with foldable concept, known as the "Armadillo-T;" an innovative, futuristic, and micro-sized vehicle driven by four in-wheel motors, which has been designed and built from zero.