Charging Performance and Drivability of Electric Vehicles

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to evolve, three key aspects play a crucial role in their success: charging performance, charging efficiency and drivability. Charging speed, energy losses, and battery conditioning significantly impact user experience and infrastructure demands, while drivability affects vehicle handling, acceleration, and overall ride quality. Understanding and optimizing these aspects is essential for the widespread adoption of EV technology. During my internship at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) in Rüsselsheim, Germany, I contributed to the evaluation and validation of charging performance and drivability in electric vehicles. Working in the powertrain department, I conducted tests on charging efficiency, battery conditioning, EV route planning, and driving behavior. Additionally, I developed and updated data post-processing tools to improve analysis and reporting workflows. The internship also provided exposure to cutting-edge technologies, such as NIO power swap stations, and a direct comparison of competitor vehicles, offering valuable insights into the direction of the EV market. This thesis first provides an overview of EV systems, analyzing the components that influence charging performance and drivability. Then, it explores how these aspects are tested, validated, and optimized in real-world applications. The results highlight the technical challenges and opportunities in EV development, highlighting the need for continuous innovation in charging technology, powertrain control, and driving dynamics to improve efficiency, user experience, and market competitiveness.