Design and optimization of a drivetrain with two-speed transmission for electric delivery step van

Abstract

The use of a two-speed transmission in electric delivery step vans to improve performance and efficiency is discussed in this paper. Two important tasks relating to this application are considered. The first task includes the development and optimization of a two-speed transmission, where the gear ratios are used as design variables, while vehicle performance and energy consumption are design objectives. The procedure is based on simulation and optimization. The simulation model and the optimization process are described. The second task includes the estimation of the efficiency and comparison of the performance of an electric step van with a direct drive setup versus the vehicle with the two-speed transmission.