Hybrid Electric Vehicle Motors and Controllers
Motors are the workhorses of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) drive systems. In an HEV, an electric traction motor converts electrical energy from the energy storage unit to mechanical energy that drives the wheels of the vehicle. Unlike a traditional vehicle, where the engine must "ramp up" before full torque can be provided, an electric motor provides full torque at low speeds. This characteristic gives the vehicle excellent "off the line" acceleration.
Important characteristics of an HEV motor include good drive control and fault tolerance, as well as low noise and high efficiency. Other characteristics include flexibility in relation to voltage fluctuations and acceptable mass production costs. Front-running motor technologies for HEV applications include permanent magnet, AC induction, and switched reluctance motors.