Comparison of drive train topologies for electric vehicles with regard to regenerative braking

Electric vehicles offer the capability to recover energy by electric braking and therefore to extend the range. Due to the dynamic axle load shift, which occurs during brake applications, and the corresponding brake force distributions, the potential for recuperation varies for different drive train topologies. In this paper, based on simulations, the energy recovery of electric vehicles with four-wheel drive, front wheel drive and rear wheel drive is analyzed. Two different options of the four-wheel drive are examined. The so-called ideal brake force distribution and an adaptive brake force distribution are considered for vehicles with one drive axle. The results indicate that the general capability regarding recuperation is higher for electric vehicles with four-wheel drives. However, the adaptive brake force distribution can reduce the gap.