FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN INNOVATIVE URBAN ELECTRIC-HYBRID MICROCAR

Ferraris, Alessandro; Micca, Federico; Messana, Alessandro; Airale, Andrea Giancarlo; Carello, Massimiliana

doi:2019.20.2.237

International Journal of Automotive Technology > Volume 20(2); 2019 > Article

Fuel Cell, Hybrid Vehicle

International Journal of Automotive Technology 2019;20(2): 237-246.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-019-0023-x

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN INNOVATIVE URBAN ELECTRIC-HYBRID MICROCAR

Alessandro Ferraris¹, Federico Micca², Alessandro Messana¹, Andrea Giancarlo Airale¹, Massimiliana Carello¹

¹Politecnico di Torino
²BeonD s.r.l

Corresponding Author. Massimiliana Carello , Email. massimiliana.carello@polito.it

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the feasibility study of a new platform for electric-hybrid quadricycles, developed by addressing important concepts like passive safety and comfort, which often represent a shortcoming in this vehicle category. Starting from packaging of energy storage system and macroscopic subsystems as the main technological constraint, the study has been entirely developed in a virtual environment, with finite element verifications on preliminary models, and a subsequent cooperation phase between computer aided design and finite element analysis softwares, with a guideline for the main tests being that each could feasibly be carried out on a complete vehicle model in order to validate the original assumptions. The resulting design, with a body curb mass of less than 100 kg, was capable of integrating optimal static stiffness characteristics and crash performance, together with improved vehicle dynamics thanks to an innovative suspension archetype.

Key Words: Hybrid vehicle, Finite element analysis, Urban mobility, Passive safety

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