Design, Analysis, and Mode Shifting of a Novel Dual-Motor Powertrain for Electric Vehicles

Dual-motor powertrain (DMP) has been proven to help electric vehicles (EVs) achieve better dynamic performance and energy economy. This study proposes a novel DMP, which can realize four alternative working modes to meet complicated and volatile driving cycles. To capture the transient characteristics of this powertrain, its detailed dynamic model is established. To achieve uninterrupted-torque mode shift, simplified model-based shifting strategies are developed. Specifically, the proposed mode-shifting strategies are derived by coordinating the relationship between torques and speeds applied by two motors and the band brake. To verify the validity and effect of the proposed mode-shifting strategies, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) experiments are undertaken. According to the experiment results, it can be clearly seen that the proposed strategies can realize seamless mode shifting. This study provides a systematic solution for mode shifting transient control of this proposed DMP and its HIL experiment.