Driving Towards Energy Efficiency: A Novel Torque Allocation Strategy for In-Wheel Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) with four independent inwheel motors are classified as over-actuated systems, granting unprecedented possibilities to meet the total driving torque and yaw moment demands through an infinite number of feasible torque combinations. Ensuring an energy-efficient torque distribution among the motors is indispensable for mitigating energy consumption and extending the driving range. This is a pivotal factor in promoting eco-friendly and sustainable transportation solutions. This work focuses on the low-level control of a proposed multi-objective control architecture, encompassing longitudinal, lateral, stability, and maneuverability control. A novel configuration method for torque allocation is established, followed by developing and contrasting four multi-objective-based strategies. An energy-saving criterion is further developed, and the energy-efficient allocation strategies are carried out within the frameworks of online and offline optimization, based on the Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm. The proposed architecture is tested and validated in a joint simulation between Simulink/MatLab and SCANeR TM Studio vehicle dynamics simulator. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that implementing the suggested torque allocation can lead to enhancements in the energy efficiency, driving comfort, and stability of the electric vehicle.