Recently, studies and developments have been underway in many countries to introduce a new type of car (hereinafter referred to as “Commuter car”), characterized by ultra smallness, energy saving and low pollution, for short-range purposes, for example commutation, in urban areas (1).In our previous study, the characteristics of electric motors were noticed, and the series hybrid system was focused to power commuter cars.Therefore, a simulated commuter car based on a small electric vehicle (EV) was set on a chassis dynamometer to test the basic items (2) .
From these results, a new simulated series hybrid type commuter car that uses a high-power AC motor and a high-efficiency power generator was set on the bench.By acceleration/deceleration bench tests, selection of the reduction gear ratio and optimization of power supply from the generator were investigated in order to achieve both the performance necessary and sufficient for the city driving and power management.
Moreover, an evaluation of the energy efficiency and the energy consumption was attempted.