Design and Performance Analysis of Multi-axle Independent-drive Heavy-duty Fuel Cell Vehicles

In this study, heavy-duty vehicles that adopt fuel cell systems, battery systems, and independent-drive electric wheels are developed. However, how much performance improvement can be brought by this novel powertrain configuration has not been analyzed before. The performance analysis of a 32-ton and a 49-ton heavy-duty fuel cell vehicle is presented. Two vehicles are both equipped with four identical independent-drive electric wheels. The power demand under constant-speed conditions is calculated. Both the gradeability and accelerating ability are analyzed. Simulation results show that the powertrain configuration functions well, and both these vehicles have premium gradeability and accelerating ability.