Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Electric vehicles have been shown to be technologically viable and are on the verge of significant expansion.*However, mass adoption is limited by their high price, limited range and the exceptionally long charging times*associated with the use of conventional chargers. The goal of this project is to address these limitations by (i)*improving drive-cycle efficiencies by introducing dual energy storage media better suited to urban driving (ii)*reconsidering the standard drivetrain system to improve performance, (iii) development of fast-charging*functionality that is integrated within the vehicle drivetrain system itself, vastly reducing infrastructure costs*associated with fast-charging and (iv) development of wireless charging technology that offer medium charging*rates for fleet vehicle applications. These research foci have major implications on EV cost and demands on*costly fast-charging and fleet charging infrastructure. Engagement with the partner company personnel will*expose trainees to practical aspects of engineering research and development including consideration of*mechanical constraints, packaging and automotive standards.