High-Fidelity Simulations to Access the Aerodynamic Performance of Real Road Vehicles

Paper in proceeding, 2026

Governmental legislations and customers awareness of the negative effects of transportation on the global climate are driving the development of more energy efficient vehicles. One of the key factors influencing energy efficiency is aerodynamic drag. The importance of minimizing drag has increased with the event of electrification, as the driving range is a limiting factor in most BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). However, low-drag streamlined cars might impair instabilities which can be perceived by the customer as a vehicle nervous to drive. This is because while aerodynamic loads increase quadratically with vehicle speed, vehicle dynamic yaw damping is reduced. It is therefore important no to only minimize the drag, but also the lift of the vehicle.