DUSTER ZERO—Electric Vehicle Research 4WD

Abstract

This paper presents the new aspects regarding a full electric vehicle, all wheels drive developed within the Automotive Engineering Research Centre, University of Pitesti, Romania on the mechanical platform DACIA DUSTER 4WD. The conversion was made by implementing a new electric powertrain that contains Renault ZE components already launched on the market for commercialized vehicles. For reasons of cost, the architecture of the electric drive is mono-motor type and includes a synchronous electric motor type, 44 kW, a robotized gears box with two speeds (L—Low for all terrain and H—High for the road) and the classic mechanical all-wheel drive system. This system allows three different driving modes: 2WD front-wheel drive for maximum electric energy efficiency, Auto, in which the rear-wheel drive is engaged automatically and Lock, whereby 50 % of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle. The traction battery, divided into two stacks is lithium-ion technology type, 400 V, 22 kWh. The performances are: maximum speed: 130 km/h; autonomy (NEDC) (estimated): 160 km; standard charging: 6–8 h with home WALL BOX; fast charging: 0.5–1 h with public and quick charger.