HELVIS: A mini platform in the research of HEVs

The HELVIS (Hybrid Electric Vehicle In Low Scale) mini-HEV has shown to be a very efficient (and attractive) platform on the research of HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) at our institution. It represents a powerful mean to introduce engineering students to the peculiarities that surrounds the HEVs subject. In this work the mini-HEV platform is presented, as well as some of its important elements, such as the drive train architecture, the EDS control module, the steering system, the IC-engine and the energy generation system. Such a platform can head students and enthusiasts not only to the HEVs technical aspects but, from a more philosophical point of view, it can be an important tool on spreading the new paradigm of a less aggressive transportation system, promoting the idea of reducing the carbon emissions. Furthermore, it is important to look forward to the increasing demand of manpower resources in the automotive industry regarding the specialization on EVs/HEVs. Thus, the University figures as a very appropriate environment to achieve these goals.