Metrics of Longitudinal Dynamics for Battery-Electric Vehicles

In vehicle development, manufacturers usually strive for a distinctive and recognizable character of their products. This requires objective metrics that can describe the subjective human perception. Concerning the longitudinal dynamics of vehicles, a large number of characteristic values exist in literature. These relate primarily to the objective description of the behavior of vehicles with internal combustion engines, which were then transferred to battery-electric vehicles (BEV). However, compared to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, BEV exhibit different torque-speed characteristics in their traction motors. They also require distinct focal points, such as efficiency and battery temperature control. To effectively characterize the longitudinal dynamics of BEVs, specific metrics have to be defined. The metrics allow a comparison of vehicles (benchmark) and empower manufacturers to infuse their vehicles with distinctive character. This publication will demonstrate the derivation and validation of these characteristics for longitudinal dynamics of BEV divided in five topics: acceleration and deceleration, range and charging, robustness, traction and pedal. The focus is on human perception and interaction with the vehicle, while the auditive perception stays out of scope.