A Microprocessor-Based Control System for a Near-Term Electric Vehicle

A microprocessor-based control system is described for an electric vehicle where the microprocessor has the responsibility of propulsion feedback control, drive system sequencing control, battery ``fuel gauging,'' battery charging/equalization control, and some amount of diagnostics. The system functions were analyzed and implemented in Intel-8080-based hardware and software. The control system was tested systematically in the laboratory and in the field and shows excellent performance.