Evaluating Emerging Engine and Powertrain Technologies on Globally Popular Vehicle Platforms 2021-01-1247

This paper examines, for several major markets, the fuel savings achievable with advanced engine technologies as “drop-in” substitutions for existing engines, as well as from increased electric hybridization of the powertrain. Key segments of light duty vehicles in major automotive markets including the US, China, EU, Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia were examined. Representative vehicles for each market were simulated using advanced vehicle modeling tools and evaluated on the relevant local regulatory cycle or cycles. In all cases, to ensure meaningful results, the performance of a given vehicle was maintained as engine and powertrain technology was varied through appropriate resizing of powertrain components. In total, 4 engine technologies and 5 powertrain architectures were simulated for 5 different markets. Additionally, to understand the potential impact of regional and seasonal variations in ambient temperature, a simple assessment of the impact of increased cabin heating and cooling loads was conducted for a single globally relevant vehicle. Results showed that opportunities exist for improving the drive cycle fuel economy of these mass market vehicles on their relevant regulatory cycle(s) through alternate engine technology and increased levels of powertrain hybridization, with the extent of that benefit dependent upon the vehicle performance requirements and the specific engine and powertrain technology.