Optimal Control Strategy for Dual-Motor EVs with CVT: Comparison of Simulation of Steady-State and Dynamic Programming Methods

This study investigates an optimal control strategy for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with a high-speed motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The proposed dual-motor powertrain model activates only one motor at a time, with Motor A routed through a CVT and Motor B through a fixed gear. To improve energy efficiency, two optimization methods are evaluated: a quasi-steady-state map-based approach and a dynamic programming (DP) method. The DP approach applies Bellman’s principle to derive the globally optimal CVT ratio and motor torque trajectory over the WLTC cycle. Simulation results demonstrate that the DP method significantly improves overall efficiency compared to traditional control logic. Furthermore, the study proposes using DP-derived maps to refine practical control strategies, offering a systematic alternative to conventional experimental calibration.