Availability of the Ultra Light-weight Vehicle based on Run Properties

Abstract

The ultra light-weight vehicle (ULV) is developed as a compact vehicle. Generally, the ULV is powered by an electric motor, and the output is lower than a general gasoline engine vehicle. Therefore, the maximum speed is set low. In the study, the difference of run properties between the ULV and the normal vehicle is clarified. Furthermore, the traffic flow is analyzed on the road where ULV was mixed. As a result of the investigation, the acceleration of ULV at the time of departure is usually higher comparison with a normal vehicle. When the travel speed exceeded around 40 km/h, acceleration usually lowered in comparison with a normal vehicle. As a result of examination by the traffic simulation, when a traffic density is relatively low, the average travel speed is lower if the ratio of the ULV is high. On the contrary, the average travel speed is higher if a traffic density is relatively high.