Vehicle components and configurations

Book chapter, 2013

The main objective of this chapter is to describe components and configurations of electric drive systems used for electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Components such as the battery and the battery charger are also included. The aim is to describe different alternatives, possibilities and bottlenecks associated with such components and configurations. We also outline some of the key factors that influence automobile design. One key issue, for instance, relates to cost reduction methods, which are important for commercialisation. Another issue is space requirements. The way in which components are packaged within vehicles is a key design issue that relates to an efficient use of the available space.