Performance simulation and testing of a converted electric lightweight sports car with differential drive concept

This paper aims to provide an insight into the performance of the electrified Caterham 7 that employs an electronic differential drive concept in its powertrain. Theoretically the performance being analysed is based on a quasistatic model developed for the car. The quasistatic model is a way to represent the powertrain components in equation forms and is more accurate than earlier developed static models. The theoretical data is obtained by simulating the quasistatic model with a specific drive cycle and analysis is on the energy consumption patterns, the range possible with a full charge on battery and look into how much it differs from the average operating point model. The performance of the car will also be simulated under different operating conditions to give a better idea on the car's theoretical operations. These simulations are primarily based in excel and will be valuable when the car is tested with a dynamometer. Apart from the simulation, the preparatory and miscellaneous works are also discussed in view of upcoming dynamometer tests. These works are mainly into the implementation of a comprehensive data acquisition system and power distribution unit. These systems together with the quasistatic model will provide a reference with which the actual driving and testing data from a dynamometer test can be compared with, enabling for better calibration of the model.