Modeling grid-connected hybrid electric vehicles using ADVISOR

The overall system efficiency of a hybrid electric vehicle is highly dependent on the energy management strategy employed. In this paper, an electric utility grid-connected energy management strategy for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle is presented. ADVISOR was used as a modeling tool to determine the appropriate size of the hybrid components and the energy management strategy parameter settings. Simulation results demonstrated that with this strategy it is possible to achieve double the fuel economy of a comparable conventional vehicle while satisfying all performance constraints. In addition, the final vehicle design provides an all-electric range capability in excess of 20 miles.