Performance testing and system evaluation of the Soleq Evcort electric vehicle

Abstract

This report presents the results of tests performed on a direct current (dc) powertrain in a test bed vehicle (EVCORT) developed by the Soleq Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. The tests were performed by EG&G Idaho, Inc. at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). The purpose of the INEL testing was to provide test results from which an evluation of the performance capabilities of the Soleq DC powertrain could be made and compared with other vehicle propulsion systems. The propulsion system efficiency was found to be comparable to the Chrysler/GE ETV-1, which is considered to have one of the most efficient propulsion systems. On a power-to-weight basis, the acceleration performance of the Evcort is essentially equivalent to that of the highest performance electric vehicles tested at the INEL. The range of the Evcort compares favorably with the majority of the electric vehicles tested at the INEL, due to both its large battery mass fraction, and its low specific energy consumption (per unit vehicle mass). The Evcort was equipped with air conditioner and heater/defroster systems, designed and manufactured by Soleq Corporation, which are powered from the main traction battery pack. The effect of operating the air conditioner on vehicle energy consumption and range was determined from dynamometer test data, and the effectiveness of the air conditioner and heater/defroster systems were assessed by conducted field tests of the vehicle under both summer and winter conditions.