Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) that powered by both combustion engine and electric power units offers higher fuel economy, lower emissions, smaller engine size and minimal energy loss when compared with a conventional vehicle. The powertrain is more complex. Thus, vehicle performance evaluation based on various control strategies and driving conditions is costly and time-consuming if physical prototype is used. A computer simulation tool was developed to quickly predict and evaluate vehicle performance, energy consumption, and component working status of the vehicle over different duty cycles.

The simulation tool was created by using MatLab/Simulink and based on an integration of the powertrain component models. The tool has the flexibility to implement various control strategies and evaluate various powertrain design configurations on various driving conditions. Rapid evaluation is achieved by integrating the simulation tool with our lab’s CAD/CAE/CAM/PDM (I-MAN) system. With PDM as the main integration framework, the simulation module is able to communicate with other design and analysis modules and share data .  The practice provides a new level of collaboration during the vehicle development process for all team members and significantly reduces prototype costs and shortens the time required for the design cycle.