Dual Mode Vehicle with In-Wheel Motor: Regenerative Braking Optimization

Abstract

To meet the growing need for mobility of people and goods while massively reducing CO<sub>2<sub/> emissions, the electrification of vehicles is an essential solution. The variety of vehicles and their use results in innovative solutions for adapted architecture. This is especially true for light commercial vehicles where the objective is to promote full electric use in urban conditions (zero emission vehicle) while maintaining significant range autonomy on road. The project VelRoue, a partnership between Renault, Michelin and IFP Energies nouvelles, aims to develop a dedicated dual-mode vehicle using a conventional thermal powertrain on the front axle and in-wheel motors on the rear one each powertrain to its use and makes it possible to achieve a low level of homologation CO<sub>2<sub/> emissions. In addition to features that meet the specific use of a commercial vehicle, in this paper we will particularly demonstrate the benefit of such an architecture to optimize the regenerative braking while ensuring a safe dynamic behaviour.