Electric Two-wheelers Research Articles

A Cost Effective High Power Factor General Purpose Battery Charger for Electric Two-Wheelers and Three Wheelers

A Cost Effective High Power Factor General Purpose Battery Charger for Electric Two-Wheelers and Three Wheelers

Co-evolution of Smart Small Vehicles and Human Spatial Experiences: Case Study on Battery-Sharing Electric Two-Wheelers Experiment

Small-format mobility services have been introduced in many cities to promote sustainable urban development. In some cities, these services are primarily seen as entertainment rather than significant transport modes. Research has studied the roles of experiential/hedonic and functional/instrumental motivations in users’ adoption intent for such services. However, there is still a limited understanding of how actual spatial experiences of mobility travels shape travel behaviors. This study explores the role of spatial experience in mobility travels. Specifically, the research question revolves around whether better spatial knowledge leads to better spatial experiences, thereby satisfying users’ functional/instrumental and experiential/hedonic values for mobility trips. Additionally, we examine how spatial knowledge affects travel behaviors regarding trip chaining and vehicle charging. To assess road users’ spatial knowledge, we use sketch maps to examine changes after three months of using battery-sharing two-wheelers. A mixed-methods approach and multiple data sources are employed to provide deeper insights, including sketch maps, questionnaire surveys on attitudes, and a panel data analysis on activity-travel patterns. The results indicate that spatial experience significantly influences perceived values and, consequently, travel behaviors. Improved knowledge leads to greater satisfaction with mobility travel. Furthermore, an interaction effect is found between cognitive distance and cognitive direction concerning users’ satisfaction with the driving range and charging issues of electric vehicles.

Understanding prospective and actual users of campus-based electric moped sharing from a behavioral reasoning perspective – Insights from Taiwan

Shared transportation services using electric two-wheelers have been appearing in cities worldwide. They have the potential to reduce the burden of private, fossil-fueled vehicles on urban areas. Residents' acceptance and adoption behavior needs to be understood by policymakers, planners, and operators in order to promote such services. Campus-like settings, such as universities, can serve as nuclei for these new services. Taiwan has one of the highest moped densities in the world. Young people are the largest user segment of electric moped sharing, which is under researched. The purpose of this research is to investigate the subjective barriers and facilitators that drive the formation of (continued) usage intentions. Empirical and qualitative data from 443 users and non-users of an electric moped sharing in Kaohsiung are collected. This facilitates an investigation using structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis. We find different groups of respondents have different reasons for and against adoption intentions based on their mode use habits, demographic features, and word associations. Some modes habits are associated with higher usage intentions, while others are not. The results and insights may prove useful for policymakers or operators seeking to increase uptake of electric moped sharing services.

Light electric vehicles: the views of users and non-users

PurposeLight electric vehicles (LEVs), such as e-bikes, e-scooters and electric two-wheelers, can potentially assist the transition to a sustainable transport system due to their low energy and spatial demands. This exploratory survey study investigated and compared the views of LEV users and interested non-users on the vehicles’ advantages in Finland, Austria, Spain and Italy among urban residents (n = 4090) to understand factors influencing their adoption. Additionally, differences between personal and shared vehicles were investigated.MethodThe survey queried respondents on the advantages of either the LEV they used most often, or the LEV they were most interested in using. Of respondents, 26% were LEV users, 37% were non-users interested in using an LEV and 37% were uninterested non-users. Factors concerning comfort, accessibility, safety, and practicality of travel were formed. The effects of respondent type (user vs. non-users), LEV type, whether the LEV was shared or personal, age, gender and country were examined with a full-factorial ANOVA for each factor and some additional variables.FindingsIn general, LEVs were regarded well for travel comfort and supporting accessibility, but less positively for safety and assisting with practical aspects of travel. LEVs were also perceived environmentally friendly. Furthermore, users perceived LEVs more positively than non-users, while age and gender only mildly influenced views. The results suggest that increased familiarity with LEVs is associated with more favourable views concerning them. Existing positive views may have led to LEV use; however, experience could have changed these views as well. LEVs are novel vehicles with recognised benefits, but low familiarity may hinder adoption. Increasing familiarity with LEVs among non-users could encourage uptake, potentially supporting modal shifts from the car to LEVs and thus assist the transition to a more sustainable transport system.

Consumer intention to accept electric two-wheelers in India: a valence theory approach to unveil the role of identity and utility

Consumer intention to accept electric two-wheelers in India: a valence theory approach to unveil the role of identity and utility

Mitigation of thermal runaway in air cooled Li-ion batteries using a novel cell arrangement coupled with air flow improviser: A numerical investigation and optimization

The concept of e-mobility is gaining the utmost importance owing to stringent emission norms. However, the safety issues associated with propulsion batteries are posing a major threat to their success. The occurrences of accidents caused due to thermal runaway in electric two-wheelers grabbed global attention. In this research work, an effort is being taken to address this concern, by arranging the battery cells in a pentagonal arrangement and employing forced air convection. The influence of air velocity (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 m/s) and air inlet position (60, 75, and 90 mm) and intermediate cell distance (4, 6, and 8 mm) on the thermal performance of the battery is investigated using a numerical approach. Maximum cell temperature, pressure drop across the channel, maximum air velocity, maximum turbulent kinetic energy, and maximum turbulence intensity are considered output responses. A grey relational analysis (GRA) is used to identify the optimum level for all input parameters considering all output responses. The optimal forced convection parameters for the proposed pentagonal cell arrangement are the intermediate cell distance of 6 mm, air velocity of 0.45 m/s, and air inlet position of 90 mm from the center of the cell arrangement. With this arrangement, the peak cell temperature is reduced from 48.32 to 36.83 °C (8%). The study is extended with an airflow improviser to examine the influence of its geometrical parameters (improviser angle, fillet angle, and its distance from the center of the battery module) on the battery cell temperature. At the optimal conditions, the presence of an airflow improviser increases the air velocity from 1.76 to 2.302 m/s (19%) and turbulence intensity from 196 to 0.350 m2/s2 (33%). Thus, the cell temperature could be reduced to the extent of 8.6% by adopting the pentagonal cell arrangement with airflow improviser and optimal operating parameters.

DETERMINATION OF BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES IN DENPASAR CITY

Electric two-wheelers are becoming increasingly popular in Indonesia, particularly in the city of Denpasar; due to government regulations and social action, programs growing the number of electric motorcycles will impact the generation of toxic and hazardous waste in the form of used batteries which can cause environmental pollution if not managed properly. In connection with the establishment of a lifecycle-based business ecosystem and reduction of pollution risks, the thing that needs serious attention is the development of independent battery waste management facilities in Denpasar City. Aim: In this regard, a study was conducted on the development and management strategy of used battery waste for electric motorcycles in Denpasar City. Methodology and Results: Data was analyzed on primary data collected through in-depth interviews with key persons and questionnaires and secondary data obtained from related institutions. The development strategy was directed at six indicators, i.e., economy, interest, infrastructure, media, technology, and battery waste management facilities. By considering the six strategy indicators, the location of battery waste management facilities from four sub-districts in Denpasar City was determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, where the South Denpasar Sub-district was obtained as the top priority with a value of 0.403. Conclusion, significance, and impact study: This strategy is expected to be a direction for implementing electric motorcycle vehicles in Denpasar City

Assessment of Electric Two-Wheeler Ecosystem Using Novel Pareto Optimality and TOPSIS Methods for an Ideal Design Solution

The demand for electric two-wheelers as an efficient and environmentally friendly means of transportation has increased due to the rapid expansion in urbanization and growing environmental sustainability concerns. The electric two-wheeler ecosystem requires an ideal design solution that strikes a balance between numerous features, technologies, and specifications to meet these changing needs. In this study, we present an evaluation framework to find the best design for electric two-wheelers using novel Pareto optimality and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approaches. These solutions are then thoroughly assessed against predetermined criteria, such as energy efficiency, manufacturing viability, and market viability. Additionally, we incorporate the TOPSIS approach to order the non-dominated options according to how closely they resemble the best design solution. The design solution that best meets the required objectives while minimizing departures from the ideal state is identified using this procedure. Combining these approaches, our framework provides a more dependable and rigorous tool for evaluating the electric two-wheeler ecosystem, empowering producers and policymakers to choose the best design options. The findings show that the Pareto optimality and TOPSIS approaches efficiently identify the non-dominated options and make it easier to choose an ideal design solution that is in line with customer preferences and environmental sustainability. The results of this study support the development of electric two-wheeler technology and promote the use of environmentally friendly transportation options, thereby promoting a more sustainable future.

Dark stores in the City of Light: Geographical and transportation impacts of ‘quick commerce’ in Paris

Food e-commerce has long remained a limited phenomenon, which only changed noticeably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did more consumers take advantage of the options offered online, it also prompted the launch of many food delivery start-ups around the world. Quick commerce in particular, offering grocery deliveries within twenty minutes or less, attracted significant sums of venture capital, alongside criticism from urban administrations and communities for the nuisances caused. Indeed, to offer instant grocery deliveries, quick commerce companies rely on a tightknit network of small, store-like warehouses, called ‘dark stores’, and a readily available vehicle fleet and staff. While plenty of ink has flowed about the urban implications of quick commerce in the press, a thorough scientific analysis lacks. To objectify and quantify the nuisances generated by quick commerce, we study geographical dimensions and transportation activities in Paris. By means of a press review, expert interviews, field observations and a cartography, we detail a supply chain consisting of various facility types; demonstrate the transportation-intensity of dark stores consisting mainly of electric two-wheelers; problematize the public space consumed by the vehicles in particular; and contrast the ultimately limited network of dark stores relative to traditional food retail.

Are electric vehicles economically viable in sub-Saharan Africa? The total cost of ownership of internal combustion engine and electric vehicles in Tanzania

The prevalence of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) fleets globally has resulted in various environmental issues, such as the emissions of greenhouse gases, reliance on imported petroleum products, significant degradation of air quality, and adverse health impacts on people. To address these challenges, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is viewed as a sustainable solution. This study analyzed the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of EVs in sub-Saharan Africa to determine if they are viable options for consumers from Tanzania. Contrary to previous studies on the competitive position of EVs that focused on Europe, Asia, and other regions with high EV diffusion, and are more advanced in terms of EV manufacturing capacity and promoting policies, this study focused on Tanzania, a country with low EV diffusion and no EV manufacturing capacity. We compared the economics of electric cars and electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) and their ICE counterparts. The findings show that the TCO per km of electric cars is higher than that of their ICE car counterparts, while the TCO of e2W was less than that of their petroleum counterparts. Importing taxes charged to all vehicles imported into the country significantly hike the upfront cost of EVs. For electric cars, particularly battery electric vehicles, to reach TCO parity with ICE car counterparts, the current import taxes have to be reduced by 40% or more, which is equivalent to removing all import duty or value-added taxes. In this regard, electric cars are still not economically viable for Tanzanian automotive consumers, unless economic incentives are introduced. With EVs being in the early stage in the country, it is recommended to start by promoting e2Ws, which are economically viable for many consumers in the Tanzanian context.

Mode shift behaviour and user willingness to adopt the electric two-wheeler: A study based on Indian road user preferences

As per statistics, two-wheeler (TW) alone shares the highest number of vehicle registrations in India, which develops the various transportation-related issues such as traffic conflicts, congestions, and pollutions. Electric two-wheelers (E-TW) are a better alternative to conventional two-wheelers because of their significant advantage in mitigating environmental impacts. But E-TWs are less attractive among road users due to unawareness of the benefits of E-TW. In addition, the traditional methods are less accurate in predicting users' mode choice behavior because of their limitations. Therefore, there is a need to conduct a study to understand the road user's willingness to adopt E-TW and find a suitable method for predicting mode choice behavior accurately. This study analyzes the Indian road users encouraging and discouraging factors to adopt E-TW and investigates the application of non-traditional models for estimating mode shift behaviour towards E-TW. Based on the literature review and expert opinion, a detailed questionnaire form was framed, and a total of 522 samples were collected from four states of India. The data findings show that Indian road users prefer TW compared to public transport, private four-wheeler, paratransit, and non-motorized transport because of its easy to ride, low maintenance, fast and convenient travel nature. The environmental concern of reducing air pollution and lower vehicle operating costs are significant factors that encourage E-TW adoption. However, the non-availability of charging infrastructure, lower speed, higher initial purchase cost, and lack of awareness about EVs are the significant discouraging factors in adopting E-TW in India. Further, Machine Learning (ML) methods were adopted to predict the mode shift behaviour from the fuel based TW to E-TW, and the results were compared with the Binary Logit (BL) method. The model results indicated that Support vector machine predicted the mode shift behavior with the highest accuracy rate compared with other methods such as Artificial Neural Network, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and BL. The outcome of this study would help the transportation planner, EV manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to understand the Indian user's preference to adopt E-TW.

A Comprehensive Review of Indian Market Scenario and Motor used in Electric Vehicle

Abstract: This paper focuses on better understanding the Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) market scenario based on battery and motor specifications. Electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and fourwheelers have different challenges and requirements at the efficient design level. This paper also provides a comprehensive review of brushed DC motors, brushless DC (BLDC) motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), induction motors (IM), switched reluctance motors (SRM), and flux switching motors (FSM) for EV application. Background: The market for EVs is growing rapidly in India as a developing country, and users are looking forward to highly efficient and cost-effective EVs due to the pollution and unavailability of petroleum. Objective: The main objective of this paper is to provide the right choice of EV motor based on vehicle type, driving cycle, and user requirement. Method: This paper comprehensively reviews DC and AC motor drive systems for EV application. Conclusion: Nowadays, manufacturing is mainly inclined towards the BLDC, PMSM, and IM. In contrast, SRM and FSM are in the early stage of development and are mainly used by the researcher. A brushed DC motor is not too famous due to its high running cost, frequent maintenance requirements, and comparatively bulky size.

An Application to Predict Range of Electric Two-Wheeler Using Machine Learning Techniques

Electric two-wheelers are becoming increasingly popular across the world, particularly in cities where their small size and flexibility make them a viable option for navigating congested streets. One of the most challenging aspects of e-mobility on two-wheelers is precisely calculating their range. This might be an issue for riders who must go long distances or who have limited access to charging stations. Various factors can influence an electric two-wheeler range, making it challenging to predict how far it can travel on a single charge. To tackle this problem, most of the manufacturers offer range predictions based on both test data and real-world usage scenarios. However, these estimates are customized for specific vehicle models and testing parameters that may not apply in all circumstances. Additionally, it can be challenging to obtain comprehensive technical specifications for two-wheelers available in the market, as most manufacturers do not provide detailed technical information. Hence, it is crucial to address the challenge of range prediction for two-wheelers in general, which can be advantageous for riders. In this paper, we discuss the precise prediction of the remaining range of electric two-wheelers even without knowing detailed e-mobility technical information. An application is also developed only for this research purpose, which can provide navigation services. Our approach concentrates on user behavior, weather, road conditions, and the vehicle’s performance history, which is gathered through the application. The collected data are used to train the selected ML model on the cloud. We applied various machine learning algorithms before deploying in the cloud where the SVM algorithm demonstrated outstanding performance, with a mean absolute error of 150 m for an average distance of 7.46 km. Furthermore, the model’s performance was evaluated after deployment and tested having 130 m error on average.

Assessment of Electric Two-Wheelers Development in Establishing a National E-Mobility Roadmap to Promote Sustainable Transport in Vietnam

Faced with increasing environmental pollution due to traffic concentration in big cities, Vietnam, as well as many countries worldwide, has encouraged its people to use environmentally-friendly vehicles. Because the transport mode is dominated by two-wheelers (i.e., motorcycles and mopeds) (2Ws), electrifying 2Ws has the potential for significant air pollution reductions as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles in Vietnam. Therefore, there has recently been an increasing trend of shifting from traditional gasoline two-wheeler vehicles to electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). Depending on different local contexts, some countries/regions quickly adopted the policies/incentives, and new technologies for E2W usage, while others acted more slowly. In order to advance the use of E2Ws in Vietnam, assessing E2W user preferences is essential to classify and prioritize further solutions, which would be instrumental in fulfilling user expectations. However, a few academic works pay attention to this field of the Vietnamese E2W market. In response to this research gap, this paper aims to overview the current status of E2W usage, assess the market development of E2Ws, and evaluate the battery charging business models in Vietnam. The questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate the preferences of E2W users in the Vietnamese market, while the assessment of E2W development was conducted based on the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. The results demonstrated that E2W deployment is still at an exploratory stage in the transportation industry and is growing significantly in Vietnam. This study also revealed significant challenges for E2W adoption, especially the E2W battery charging/swapping system. Thus, it is recommended that incentives for E2W uptake and the battery charging infrastructure system should be improved and implemented. The evaluation of E2W perceptions in the three-city context is realized as exploratory, generating the baseline for further research when the survey can engage more respondents in other places to confirm the current research findings. The study can also assist policymakers and investors in comprehensively assessing the opportunities and challenges and provide recommendations for accelerating the growth of E2Ws in Vietnam for establishing a national e-mobility roadmap and thereby promoting sustainable transport in alignment with the COP26.

Model based integrated control strategy for effective brake energy recovery to extend battery longevity in electric two wheelers

This study aims to achieve optimal regenerative braking performance in the form of a reduced decline in battery SOC for a BLDC electric machine with peak torque of 10 Nm for use in electric two-wheelers. This is conducted via a comparison of control algorithms based on Direct Look-up table, Fuzzy Logic and their combination with PID control. The whole vehicle model and the energy recovery control strategies are designed using MATLAB Simulink by benchmarking the design with the parameters of the Ola Electric S1. A physical motor-dynamometer test bench is utilised to obtain a complete motor operating range to derive a realistic efficiency map that is used in the model. WLTP Class 2 and NYCC standard drive cycles are implemented for vehicle simulation. Two live-recorded driving patterns are also used to validate the model to analyse the adaptability of the control strategies. After obtaining the required motor speed, torque values and the range by matching the theoretical drive cycle profile, the control strategy is further optimised using the PID auto-tuning toolbox in Simulink. Using physical testbench data, the effect of various regenerative braking control strategies on overall vehicle performance is more accurately realised. The Fuzzy PID control strategy exhibits the most optimal gains in terms of energy recovery for electric two-wheelers, allowing for the highest battery SOC levels of 41.88% and average motor regenerative torque of 7.25 Nm for the standard drive cycles. An analogous trend is observed for the on-road driving pattern as Fuzzy PID provides highest battery SOC and average motor regenerative torque of 48.34% and 7.5 Nm respectively. For the driving scenarios aforementioned, this provides a 17% and 44% increase in SOC respectively when compared to a non-regenerative braking-based system.

Fault Diagnosis of Electric Two-Wheeler Under Pragmatic Operating Conditions Using Wavelet Synchrosqueezing Transform and CNN

Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in universality in recent years due to their specific advantages such as zero emissions, low noise, and remarkable efficiency. Moreover, these vehicles, especially two-wheelers, becoming an integrated part of the present transport system, and their safe operation must be considered for a successful run under practical operating conditions. In the present work, a two-wheeler EV simulator is designed and developed to perform experimental simulations on different pragmatic operating conditions at the laboratory level. Moreover, a convolutional neural network (CNN) steered with wavelet synchrosqueezing transform (WSST)-based scalograms is proposed for fault identification in an electric two-wheeler. First, raw vibration signatures are acquired from the in-wheel brushless direct current (BLDC) hub motor and the mid-drive switched reluctance motor (SRM). Thereafter, these signatures are decomposed and transformed into time–frequency representation using WSST. Then, a CNN model is used for further identification and classification of the various bearing defects in EV motors. The experimental findings showed that the suggested method could successfully diagnose the various bearing faults under the mentioned working conditions. In both the in-wheel BLDC hub motor and the mid-drive SRM, the maximum achieved classification accuracies are 97.14% and 97.78%, respectively, in the case of the full-speed condition. It is evident from the obtained results that recommended approach can be used as an effective diagnostic tool for electric two-wheelers to prevent unforeseen vehicle motor breakdowns.

Electric Two-Wheelers: The Future of Short Hauls

Electric Two-Wheelers: The Future of Short Hauls

Customers’ Awareness Towards Electric Two-Wheelers in the Patan City

Customers’ Awareness Towards Electric Two-Wheelers in the Patan City

Modelling and analysis of electric two-wheeler with novel planetary gear box transmission

With the world moving towards new sustainable sources of power for automobiles, electric powertrain systems are considered to be suitable. The study focuses on modelling and analysis of electric two-wheelers and designing and analysis of planetary gear box. Based on the analysis and market survey, recommendations for primary components are given. The electric vehicle is analysed using the drive cycle data and modelled using vehicle dynamics equations (Transportation Secure Data Centre). The result of this analysis is the current profile requirement to be fulfilled by the battery pack. The battery modelling and analysis is done based on the equivalent circuit modelling (Jackey et al., 2013; Jackey et al., 2009). The current profiles and battery testing data are used as input to the battery model (Jackey et al., 2009; Hu et al., 2014; Decibels Labs Pvt. Ltd.). SOC and voltage variations were determined from this modelling. The transmission gear ratio and geometry was determined (TM4 Electrodynamics). The dynamic analysis and life cycle estimation of the gear box was done in Ricardo SABR (Ricardo Software, 2020).

Beyond personal vehicles: How electrifying scooters will help achieve climate mitigation goals in Taiwan

Electrification is considered a key enabler for decarbonizing road transportation. Recently, increasing attention has been directed to the deployment of electric two-wheelers in cities across the globe. However, climate change mitigation potential across the diversity of today's available scooter models is still missing in the existing literature. With a focus on Taiwan—the world's highest density of scooters—we comprehensively examine the performances of 156 scooter models on the market to understand the potential cost and carbon trade-offs among two-wheeler purchase options. We find that such a trade-off does exist when choosing scooters with different powertrain technologies. Compared to gasoline scooters, low-carbon-emitting electric scooters are more costly to own but not necessarily more expensive to purchase—because battery-swapping techniques convert the capital cost of the battery itself into an operating expense. Surprisingly, all the Phase 7 emissions standard internal combustion engine scooters appear to meet the near-term climate goal for 2030 in Taiwan, providing a less-costly transition from liquid fuels to electrification. While all the e-scooters supplied with the current electric power meet the 2040 emissions reduction target, deep decarbonization of electricity generation is also required, along with a large-scale adoption (at least 90%) of electric scooters to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.