Optimization of hybrid electric drive system components in long-haul vehicles for the evaluation of customer requirements

Optimum drivetrain design is the key objective for achieving climate and economy improvements in the long-haul industry. The approach introduced focuses on the optimization of electronic component design. Not only are the longitudinal dynamics and the energy consumption included, but a detailed cost model of the components is also applied. The objective is to identify the most profitable state-of-the-art drive technologies. An evolutionary optimization algorithm combines a generic vehicle model with a cost model to calculate the Pareto optimal solutions for battery systems, electric machines and gearbox design. The results show the potential of Hybrid Electric Vehicles in comparison to diesel trucks. Fuel savings are expressed with the indicator transport efficiency in grams of CO2 per transported ton of payload. The Total Cost of Ownership is calculated in Euros per ton kilometer.