Making the Most of the Energy We Have: Vehicle Efficiency

Abstract

With global concerns over emissions from non-renewable sources and its dwindling global supplies. Optimization of our energy usage is highly important. Converting energy to various forms is usually an imperfect process with energy being wasted. Vehicle's convert on-board stored energy to a kinetic form to drive a vehicle. Understanding the sources of energy losses allow us to (a) reduce emissions created by combustion engines, and (b) improve driving range of electrified powertrains. Within this chapter energy losses across the vehicle will be explored for both non-powertrain and powertrain components. Modes of losses and test methods for vehicle components will also be outlined to highlight their significance in vehicle efficiency.