Computational study on dynamic handling performance of a retro-fitted Electric Two wheeler using 125cc powered ICE reference

With the development in motor technology and battery manufacturing technologies, the scope for a budget working EV has been increasing in India. There remains an after-mark potential for conversion of an ICE powered two-wheeler to an EV power train. Such a move reduces the carbon footprint from the vehicle drastically and is still being explored. This study investigates the effect of replacing the ICE with an electric motor in a 125cc motorcycle, with a particular focus on vehicle handling performance using Slalom test. The two wheelers were modelled using calculated mass properties and estimated / calculated moments of inertia using CAD for both ICE and electric powertrains. The electric propulsion system took into consideration the role of a battery pack in the mass and MI calculation. The framework with degrees of freedom is well established in BIKESIMTM simulation environment. A slalom test with automatic gear shift and throttle to maintain speed of the vehicle was set-up to estimate the handling performance. The speeds of the vehicle were computed for 60kmph condition. The output parameters of interest were the steering angle, steering torque, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and lean angle. Within the assumptions of this work. the results from the simulations indicated that handling performance of the retrofitted EV power train was comparable to that of an ICE vehicle and rider may not feel it to be drastically different. Keywords: Electric two-wheeler, BikeSim, Slalom test, EV retro fit Powertrain, Mass distribution, Moment of inertia, Handling performance.