Model based development is an approach pursued to obtain an advanced insight into powertrain & vehicle development. This approach enables the ability to trace errors early on thereby reducing the dependence on field testing and saving cost & time in the development process. The purpose of the study is to develop a system level electric vehicle model for Light Heavy Duty applications in GT-Suite for range estimation, performance analysis, component sizing and optimization. The model has been developed using a map-based approach. Hence, the simulation time is faster than real-time, requires less input data and can be used for preliminary range & performance estimation. The model fidelity has been validated against data obtained from field testing. The applications of the model are to study the effect of parameters such as motor power, air conditioning, battery capacity etc. on range and performance.

Ms. Smruti Rathod works with Isuzu Technical Center of America Inc. as Model Based Development Engineering Intern and supports virtual vehicle modeling capability development for Light and Medium duty commercial vehicle platforms. She is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate from Michigan Technological University with a Graduate Certificate in Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering. Ms. Smruti is involved in active projects related to 1D Vehicle Model Development focused on Light & Medium Duty Commercial Vehicle platforms.

Her major contribution is towards:

 Electrified and Hybrid powertrain - system level vehicle modeling for Range estimation and Component sizing & optimization

 Conventional powertrain system level vehicle modeling to perform Fuel Economy analysis and Performance optimization

Ms. Smruti is proficient in GT-Suite, MATLAB/Simulink & IPG TruckMaker vehicle modeling tools.