Sizing of ultracapacitors and batteries for a high performance electric vehicle

One of the main problems in autonomous electric vehicles is the energy storage, because of the use of low capacity batteries with low power delivery. This work shows a way to deal with the energy storage problem on a high performance electric vehicle capable to run a quarter of a mile in 10 seconds. The concept design of the system combines different storage technologies, ensuring the appropriate power delivery to the motors during the short time needed. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to determine the optimum size of each storage element to guarantee the vehicle high performance. This work proposes a methodology for evaluating different characteristics of ultracapacitors and batteries, such as mass, volume and cost. After determining the amount of the storage technologies, it is possible to make an optimal power management in the vehicle, that combined with the control of the motors improves the performance of the electric vehicle.