A study on the electric energy consumption of a lightweight four-wheeled vehicle powered by the hub-mounted brushless direct-current hub motors designed for disabled people

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a key role in sustainable transport, offering high efficiency, lower emissions and reduced operating costs. The aim of the tests was to determine the electric power consumption of a lightweight quadricycle class L6e-BP, designed for people with disabilities, and then to check its energy consumption in an urban cycle. The vehicle uses hub-mounted brushless direct-current (BLDC) motors and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Tests were conducted at constant speeds (13, 25, 35 km/h) and simulated city driving. Optimum efficiency was achieved at a speed of 25 km/h, with a consumption of 3.7 kWh/100 km. In urban conditions, energy consumption increased to 8.24 kWh/100 km due to frequent acceleration and braking. The maximum system efficiency reached 95% at 500 rpm. Using quadratic regression, the energy demand was modeled over the range of 6–50 km/h, confirming a minimum of around 20–25 km/h. The results highlight the influence of real-world conditions on EV performance and confirm the need to develop tailored drive systems and control strategies for urban mobility-oriented vehicles.