I wrote this handbook for the electric and hybrid vehicle designer. It is not a how-to book, but a handbook with equations, definitions and data commonly used in designing electric and hybrid vehicles. In keeping with the goals of SAE and the Federal government, the SI metric system is used throughout this handbook. In locations such as vehicle speed and conversion tables, the old English system is used along with the SI units. In addition to serving as a handbook, it is hoped that this publication will also help to educate. We have tried to cover the complete spectrum of understanding levels for this field. Some of the explanations may seem simplistic while others may appear rather abstract. We hope this is not an encumbrance to the functionality of the handbook.
Chapter 1 covers definitions with rules for mechanics and electronics that are normally associated with electric and hybrid vehicles. We have tried to include all terminology used throughout the rest of the handbook along with many fundamental physical concepts. Chapter 2 contains the unit and conversion tables commonly used in the EV field. Included are the conversions within the SI units, conversions within the old English units and conversions between the two systems. Physical constants are located at the end of this chapter. Chapter 3 covers the Body & Chassis. Explanations, equations and exaples are included for the vehicle body, the drive-line and the tires.
Batteries are covered in the fourth chapter. The main focus will be on the common lead-acid batteries, but most other well known and less known batteries will be included. This chapter ends with data from many of the more commonly used EV batteries. The Motor & Controller chapter explains and supplies formulas for the several different types of EV traction motors. Specifications for several available motors and controller are included. Chapter 6 covers the Recharging of the battery pack. This will include the standard charging formulas and rules for lead-acid and several other batteries. The more exotic batteries are only covered superficially.
Hybrid vehicle configurations and formulas are covered in chapter 7. Both series and parallel hybrid concepts are described. The eighth chapter covers the auxiliary equipment including air conditioning, power brakes. Power steering and heating as well as other standard automotive equipment. The ninth chapter is Safety. Both safety designed into the vehicle and safety in working and using the vehicles are covered. The final chapter contains auxiliary information such as fuel equivalents and materials data.
We have worked to provide the most up to date and correct information. As new things are learned and old myths are killed, the written words may require revisions. This, along with plain and simple errors on our part, are the reasons we would appreciate any comments from our users. Feel free to contact us concerning errors you may find in using this handbook, or if you have any suggestions about things that should be included in our next editions. Your positive comments would also be welcome.
Thank you, Carl E. Lawrence