Parameter-adaption for a vehicle dynamics model for the evaluation of powertrain concept designs

The powertrain design of multi-motor electric vehicles directly affects not only costs, consumption and acceleration, but also the handling of a vehicle. Therefore, a holistic powertrain design optimization needs to include a vehicle dynamics model in its objective function. While the parameters for the powertrain model result from the design variables that describe the powertrain, the parameters for the vehicle dynamics model must be adapted in a feasible way to ensure comparable results. Therefore, the authors present a method on how to adaptively parametrize a double-track vehicle dynamics model for the use in powertrain design optimization. Automated design calculations for all main chassis and suspension parts are used to determine the parameters for the model. A parameter variation proves the plausibility of the approach. The results show that an adaption of the suspension and chassis parameters due to changes in the powertrain make results more comparable but do not compensate for the effects on the vehicle handling. In particular, the steady state longitudinal load distribution still has major influences on the vehicle handling.