At Contechs, we are adapting our services to meet the new electric vehicle (EV) demands on traditional automotive technologies, such as body structures and chassis. One key EV demand that we are preparing for is vehicle range improvement, which forms an important aspect of our overriding strategy.
Whilst the development of battery density has played a significant role in increasing BEV range, the importance of vehicle efficiency remains a critical area of vehicle development. Contechs has identified three primary areas affecting vehicle efficiency: powertrain efficiency, aerodynamic drag, and vehicle mass.
Traditionally, body and chassis engineers have focused efforts on reducing mass in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to improve vehicle efficiency and performance. Contechs is taking a novel approach for EVs, focusing efforts on enabling aerodynamic performance over mass to improve range. Internal vehicle simulations of an EV SUV support this approach, finding that a reduction of 0.1 Cd (a measurement of aerodynamic drag) resulted in the same range improvement as a mass reduction of 560kg.
Whilst body and chassis development to reduce mass remains important, the priority shifts to enabling a reduction of aerodynamic drag if EV range is the primary focus. Contechs is adapting to meet new EV demands on traditional automotive technologies through a range of strategies and key technology enablers, which will be explored in future articles.
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