Performance investigation and analysis of market-oriented low-speed electric vehicles in China

Abstract Electric vehicles are thought to be an effective solution to the fossil fuel energy resource crisis and environmental pollution, but a wide gap remains between current market conditions and the anticipated products. Despite this, low-speed electric vehicles have already achieved commercial success in the low-end performance electric vehicle market in China. This paper examines the ride characteristics, dynamic performance, battery performance, and power efficiency of a low-speed electric vehicle. Accurate vehicle characteristics under road ride loads were achieved through dynamometer tests that mimic practical road conditions. The overload performance is tested under drive power demands that approach 4.3 times the rated value. The effects of different batteries on the cost performance of low-speed electric vehicles are also analysed. Although the lithium-ion polymer battery is currently more expensive than the lead-acid battery, the increased efficiency of this battery provides a more economical full-cycle lifetime driving distance for practical applications. Despite the excellent overload capability, the low power efficiency of the DC drive motor and its control system limit the general power efficiency of the low-speed electric vehicle and determine its economical speed. Thus, low-cost, efficient drive systems are required to improve the cost performance of low-speed electric vehicles. Some optimisation methods for improving low-speed electric vehicle performance are suggested. By analysing the factors that influence power efficiency and cost performance, this article provides a baseline for improving low-speed electric vehicle performance and advancing the application of this market-oriented electric vehicle.