Driving range evaluation of a multi-phase drive for low voltage high power electric vehicles

This paper introduces an alternative to present state-of-the-art electric traction drives powered by HV batteries: a maximum of 330 kW can be deployed mechanically by a LV multi-phase system. Both the ability to switch the electric machine´s number of pole pairs and a very efficient 60-phase inverter based on MOSFETs promise a dramatic reduction of losses inside the power train. Investigations on driving cycle efficiencies are carried out for a HV reference system and the novel LV system. The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the driving cycle of the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTC) are virtually driven by a common vehicle model in order to determine load profiles for both traction systems. Losses in electric machine, power electronics and battery are estimated and the total vehicle´s energy consumption is derived. The novel LV traction system promises a great enhancement in driving range compared to the state-of-the-art HV drive.