The Braking System Layout of Electric Vehicles - Example BMW E1

In autumn 1991 BMW presented to the public its first, specially designed electric vehicle, the E1 concept study. With this car all the future requirements of electric vehicle components were fulfilled. Notable is the brake system layout and the resulting possibility of recuperation.

This report shows the theoretical potential of recuperation for different driving profiles and for the most important drivetrain concepts. According to the chosen control concept a variable utilization of this potential is being achieved. The important criteria to be considered - for example legal requirements, light weight design, the relation of cost and use - will be demonstrated by the braking layout of the BMW E1 concept car. Moreover still existing problems will be shown.