Abstract
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are built using advanced technology to reduce exhaust emissions and increase fuel economy, which are the main objectives of the automotive industry today. Motors/controllers are the most fundamental components, especially in a series configuration, to produce and control the drive force for the hybrid vehicles. This paper presents a method of selecting the optimal drive motor/controller for a series hybrid vehicles, based on the requirements. The paper provides an overview of electric drive motors/controllers and Analytic Hierarchy Process. ADVISOR is utilised to simulate the hybrid vehicle performance, employing different categories of AC motors/controllers in the powertrain. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is then implemented with consideration given to several performance criteria for the comparable motors/controllers of the series hybrid vehicle. Results show a typical permanent magnet motor/controller has a better performance compared to induction motors/controllers.
