Comparing Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrains for Real-world Driving

Parallel configurations are listed among the most promising hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures. However, their potential impact both on the reduction of CO
₂
and the total vehicle cost still requires additional and comprehensive evaluation. This paper therefore aims at comparing several parallel HEV architectures to assess for their CO
₂
emission reduction potential, drivability capabilities and total cost of ownership (TCO) with respect to conventional layouts. Both standard drive cycles and real-world driving missions have been analyzed and two different vehicles have been selected for the study. The obtained results demonstrate how parallel hybridization may remarkably improve both fuel economy and drivability capability compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Despite parallel HEVs present a higher purchasing cost, the latter can be efficiently recuperated over the vehicle lifetime. Finally, P2 architecture appears as the most favorable parallel HEV configuration according to the considered analysis parameters.