Research on Economy Mode Control Algorithm for Pure Electric Tractor with Powered Trailer

This research presents a comprehensive investigation into the electrification development pathway and energy-saving optimization methodologies for commercial tractor vehicles. Given the pivotal role that commercial vehicles play in modern logistics and transportation sectors, their propulsion systems are undergoing a fundamental transition from traditional internal combustion engines toward more sustainable hybrid and pure electric architectures. Simultaneously, the emerging trend of trailer electrification has gained considerable attention, where conventional trailers are retrofitted with motorized axles to form cooperative powertrain systems, demonstrating substantial energy-saving potential as confirmed by multiple research studies. Utilizing an integrated Trucksim and MATLAB/Simulink co-simulation platform, this study developed sophisticated vehicle dynamics models, detailed electric drive system models, and advanced battery models, which were subsequently integrated to establish a high-fidelity virtual simulation environment. Several innovative control strategies were designed and implemented, including an optimization framework targeting maximal overall system efficiency and an efficiency-aware torque distribution strategy for coordinated multi-power source management. The investigation evaluated three distinct 6×4 vehicle configurations: conventional diesel tractor with unpowered trailer, pure electric tractor with unpowered trailer, and pure electric tractor with powered trailer. Extensive simulations were conducted under various operating conditions and control strategies, with comprehensive energy consumption results quantitatively analyzed based on projected 2025 industrial electricity and diesel prices for Jinzhou City in China. The results demonstrate that the proposed control strategies achieve significant energy efficiency improvements, showing substantially reduced energy consumption compared to conventional systems while maintaining operational performance. This study provides both valuable theoretical insights and practical engineering solutions for developing next-generation energy-efficient commercial vehicle drive systems, while offering important references for future technological advancements in sustainable transportation and logistics.