Comprehensive design and optimization of an electric vehicle powertrain equipped with a two-speed dual-clutch transmission

© The Author(s) 2017. This article develops a systematic model to study electric vehicle powertrain system efficiency by combining a detailed model of two-speed dual-clutch transmission system efficiency losses with an electric vehicle powertrain system model. In this model, the design factors including selection of the electric machine, gear ratios' change, multi-plate wet clutch design, and gear shift schedule design are considered. Meanwhile, the application of detailed model for drag torque losses in the gearbox is discussed. Furthermore, the proposed model, developed with the MATLAB/Simulink platform, is applied to optimize/maximize the efficiency of the electric vehicle powertrain system using genetic algorithms. The optimization results demonstrate that the optimal results are different between simulations via New Europe Drive Cycle and Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule, and comprehensive design and optimization of the powertrain system are necessary.