This article reviews the design and evaluation of different DC-DC converter topologies for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The design and evaluation of these converter topologies are presented, analyzed and compared in terms of output power, component count, switching frequency, electromagnetic interference (EMI), losses, effectiveness, reliability and cost. This paper also evaluates the architecture, merits and demerits of converter topologies (AC-DC and DC-DC) for Fast Charging Stations (FCHARs). On the basis of this analysis, it has found that the Multidevice Interleaved DC-DC Bidirectional Converter (MDIBC) is the most suitable topology for high-power BEVs and PHEVs (> 10kW), thanks to its low input current ripples, low output voltage ripples, low electromagnetic interference, bidirectionality, high efficiency and high reliability. In contrast, for low-power electric vehicles (<10 kW), it is tough to recommend a single candidate that is the best in all possible aspects. However, the Sinusoidal Amplitude Converter, the Z-Source DC-DC converter and the boost DC-DC converter with resonant circuit are more suitable for low-power BEVs and PHEVs because of their soft switching, noise-free operation, low switching loss and high efficiency. Finally, this paper explores the opportunity of using wide band gap semiconductors (WBGSs) in DC-DC converters for BEVs, PHEVs and converters for FCHARs. Specifically, the future roadmap of research for WBGSs, modeling of emerging topologies and design techniques of the control system for BEV and PHEV powertrains are also presented in detail, which will certainly help researchers and solution engineers of automotive industries to select the suitable converter topology to achieve the growth of projected power density.

Today, there are many recent developments that focus on improving the electric vehicles and their components, particularly regarding advances in batteries, energy management systems, autonomous features and charging infrastructure. This plays an important role in developing next electric vehicle generations, and encourages more efficient and sustainable eco-system. This paper not only provides insights in the latest knowledge and developments of electric vehicles (EVs), but also the new promising and novel EV technologies based on scientific facts and figures—which could be from a technological point of view feasible by 2030. In this paper, potential design and modelling tools, such as digital twin with connected Internet-of-Things (IoT), are addressed. Furthermore, the potential technological challenges and research gaps in all EV aspects from hard-core battery material sciences, power electronics and powertrain engineering up to environmental assessments and market considerations are addressed. The paper is based on the knowledge of the 140+ FTE counting multidisciplinary research centre MOBI-VUB, that has a 40-year track record in the field of electric vehicles and e-mobility.

Long-haul heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and coaches, contribute to a substantial portion of the modern-day European carbon footprint and pose a major challenge in emissions reduction due to their energy-intensive usage. Depending on the hydrogen fuel source, the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for long-haul applications has shown significant potential in reducing road freight CO${}_2$ emissions until the possible maturity of future long-distance battery-electric mobility. Fuel cell heavy-duty (HD) propulsion presents some specific characteristics, advantages and operating constraints, along with the notable possibility of gains in powertrain efficiency and usability through improved system design and intelligent onboard energy and thermal management. This paper provides an overview of the FCEV powertrain topology suited for long-haul HD applications, their operating limitations, cooling requirements, waste heat recovery techniques, state-of-the-art in powertrain control, energy and thermal management strategies and over-the-air route data based predictive powertrain management including V2X connectivity. A case study simulation analysis of an HD 40-tonne FCEV truck is also presented, focusing on the comparison of powertrain losses and energy expenditures in different subsystems while running on VECTO Regional delivery and Longhaul cycles. The importance of hydrogen fuel production pathways, onboard storage approaches, refuelling and safety standards, and fleet management is also discussed. Through a comprehensive review of the H${}_2$ fuel cell powertrain technology, intelligent energy management, thermal management requirements and strategies, and challenges in hydrogen production, storage and refuelling, this article aims at helping stakeholders in the promotion and integration of H${}_2$ FCEV technology towards road freight decarbonisation.

Recently, there has been significant attention given to the electrification of transportation due to concerns about fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. Conventional drive systems typically include a clutch, reduction gear, and mechanical differential, which results in power loss, noise, vibration, and additional maintenance. However, in-wheel motor drive technology eliminates the need for these components, providing benefits such as higher system efficiency, improved wheel control, and increased passenger comfort. This article offers a comprehensive review of the technology and development of in-wheel motor drives. It begins with an overview of in-wheel motor drives in electric vehicles, followed by an exploration of the types of electric motors suitable for in-wheel motor drives. The paper then presents an industrial state of the art of in-wheel motors, comparing them with conventional motor drives, and reviews the implemented power electronics, control system, and cooling systems. Finally, the paper concludes by providing an outlook on the challenges and future trends of in-wheel drive systems.

This paper presents a detailed literature review on switched reluctance motor (SRM) and drive systems in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. SRMs have received increasing attention for EV applications owing to their reliable structure, fault tolerance ability and magnet free design. The main drawbacks of the SRM are torque ripple, low power density, low power factor and small extended speed range. Recent research shows that multi-stack conventional switched reluctance motors (MSCSRM) and multi-stack switched reluctance motors with a segmental rotor (MSSRM-SR) are promising alternative solutions to reduce torque ripples, increase torque density and increase power factor. Different winding configurations such as single-layer concentrated winding (SLC), single layer mutually coupled winding (SLMC), double layer concentrated winding (DLC), double layer mutually coupled winding (DLMC) and fully-pitched winding (FP) are introduced in the literature in recent years to increase average torque and to decrease torque ripples. This research analyzes winding methods and structure of the SRMs, including conventional and segmental rotors. They have been compared and assessed in detail evaluation of torque ripple reduction, torque/power density increase, noise/vibration characteristics and mechanical structure. In addition, various drive systems are fully addressed for the SRMs, including conventional drives, soft-switching drives, drives with standard inverters and drives with an integrated battery charger. In this paper, the SRM control methods are also reviewed and classified. These control methods include strategies of torque ripple reduction, fault-diagnosis, fault-tolerance techniques and sensorless control. The key contributions of this paper provide a useful basis for detailed analysis of modeling and electromechanical design, drive systems, and control techniques of the SRMs for EV applications.

Multiphase drives (MPDs) have been the subject of research for the last two decades. Despite being a technology that is still in the process of development, a significant number of research studies and developments have been reported in scientific literature over the past few years. This article aims to collect and present a review of these recent contributions, providing a comprehensive and insightful state of the art on this topic and future technology trends. The elaborated aspects include the advantages of multiphase machines, a general introduction to five-phase and six-phase machines, and their modelling techniques. In addition, new promising MPD topologies are covered. Recent advances in modulation techniques and the control of multilevel converters are also discussed. Finally, future trends and challenges in further developing this technology are discussed.