Influence of the drive train topology and the center of mass on the regenerative braking in electric vehicles

Electric vehicles offer the capability to recover energy by electric braking and therefore to extend the range. Due to the dynamic axle load shift during brake applications and corresponding brake force distributions, drive train topologies with single front drive and single rear drive have different potentials with regard to recuperation. The axle load shift of a vehicle is significantly influenced by the position of the center of mass. Chances for an increase of recuperation by shifting the center of mass in consideration of the consequences for handling performance and stability of the vehicle are analyzed and illustrated with simulations.