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The focus of this paper is the process of implementation and integration of a series-parallel multiple-regime plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) using a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu as a platform. The University of Victoria EcoCAR team used a 3-year vehicle development process (VDP) modeled after those used by major automotive manufacturers, and maintained by the rules of EcoCAR 2: Plugging into the Future. Intensive research and simulation resulted in selection of UVic's series-parallel multiple regime vehicle architecture during year 1 of the EcoCAR2 competition. Detailed mechanical design refinement has been conducted to allow final fabrication and integration of components. This has included detailed structural analysis and comparison with the stock vehicle, dynamic analysis of vehicle suspension changes, and manufacturability and serviceability improvements to the year 1 vehicle design.

The focus of this paper is the design and implementation of a series-parallel multiple-regime plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) using a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu as a platform. The University of Victoria EcoCAR team used a 3-year vehicle development process (VDP) modeled after those used by Tier 1 automotive manufacturers, and maintained by the rules of EcoCAR 2: Plugging into the Future. Intensive research was conducted to determine the ideal architecture selection based on overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, criteria air contaminant (CAC) emissions, fuel economy, petroleum use, and vehicle performance. As a result, a series-parallel design was pursued, using a high power rear traction motor and large BAS electric machine tied to an E85 compatible 4-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE). This architecture platform provides for multiple regimes of operation including electric only operation provided by the 14.8 kWh lithium ion battery.

Advances in battery and hybrid powertrain technology have significantly expanded the automotive design space. In this work, the design process of a new extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) is presented, following the industry standard vehicle development process (VDP). To effectively achieve the design targets, the team developed the project following a model-based design (MBD) approach which is similar to what is used in industrial practice. The design process started from a vehicle technical specification, which defines the required vehicle performance characteristics. Then models were built to exam various design options against the design targets. Improved vehicle performance was demonstrated through model-in-loop (MIL), software-in-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulations.