Methodology for assessing the technical efficiency of light-duty electric vehicles

Abstract

Problem. Today, one of the urgent tasks of the domestic automotive industry is the creation and organization of production of light-duty electric vehicles of categories L7 and N1 at Ukrainian factories. A characteristic feature of such electric vehicles is a significant proportion of the mass of traction batteries in their curb weight, which depends on the energy capacity of the traction batteries, as well as on the technical and operational characteristics. Therefore, a technique is needed for an objective assessment of the technical efficiency of electric vehicles-analogs of light-duty vehicles of these categories and for the selection of optimal design solutions at the design stages of such electric vehicles. Goal. The aim of the work is to develop a methodology for assessing the technical – constructive, operational, energy, functional and economic – efficiency of light-duty electric vehicles of the L7 and N1 categories at various stages of their design to select the optimal layout solutions. Methodology. Based on the analysis of technical requirements for the design and operational parameters of light-duty electric vehicles of the L7 and N1 categories, the main criteria for their design, operational, functional and economic efficiency have been determined. The interrelation of individual types of efficiency of electric freight vehicles of categories L7 and N1 is considered and integral criteria for assessing their overall technical efficiency are proposed. Results. The development tendencies are determined and directions and stages of creation of the structures of light-duty vehicles at the factories of Ukraine are proposed. The layout diagrams of the designed electric vehicles according to the type of the driver's cabin and according to the wheel formula, as well as their main technical parameters, are recommended. Originality. Criteria for evaluating the constructive, operational, functional and economic efficiency of light-duty electric vehicles have been determined. Indicators and formulas are proposed for determining the constructive, operational, functional and economic efficiency of electric vehicles of categories L7 and N1. The formulas are proposed to determine the integral indicators of the technical efficiency of such electric vehicles. Practical value. The proposed method for determining the indicators of design, operational, functional and economic efficiency of light-duty electric vehicles will ensure the creation of promising competitive domestic freight electric vehicles of the L7 and N1 categories based on an objective analysis and assessment of the technical efficiency of existing electric vehicles-analogs and the choice of optimal parameters of the designed electric vehicles.