Determining Component Specifications for Conventional On-Road Electric Vehicles

This paper discusses component specifications for currently available on-road electric vehicles of conventional design. Today's electric vehicles have three major performance constraints to limit their applications to selected segments of transportation. This paper evaluates the easily achievable performance of various sized vehicles, and specification variance due to the vehicle classifications. Through observation, the author concludes today's electric vehicles have suitable application areas when missions are clearly defined. A major fear of driving a battery powered vehicle comes from the uncertain one charge range of an electric vehicle, which is significantly affected by the pattern of driving. Use of an auxiliary power unit is recommended to avoid the vehicle from becoming stranded only a few miles short of its destination.