An approach to enhance the efficiency and consumer acceptability of a Series Plug-in Hybrid vehicle

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has designed a hybrid electric vehicle which utilizes regenerative braking and a diesel generator in order to expand the range of the vehicle. This endeavor was made possible by the EcoCAR 2 competition sponsored by the Department of Energy, General Motors, and Argonne National Laboratory. This paper will discuss the components used to convert a Chevrolet Malibu into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV); as well as the control strategies used with these components. The strategies include controlling the diesel generator power plant (genset) and the floating zero point accelerator pedal map. Data taken from on road testing and the emissions and energy consumption event (E&EC) for EcoCAR 2 will be analyzed to show the effect regenerative braking and aerodynamic modifications have on the overall range of the vehicle. Vehicle efficiency is also discussed. The intent of this paper is to show how the overall mileage of the vehicle can be improved with regenerative braking while improving consumer acceptability with systems such as the floating zero point pedal control.