Routing systems to extend the driving range of electric vehicles

This study develops a more accurate range prediction for electric vehicles (EVs) resulting in a routing system that could extend the driving range of EVs through calculating the minimum energy route to a destination, based on topography and traffic conditions of the road network. Energy expenditure of EVs under different conditions is derived using high-resolution real-world data from the SwitchEV trial. The SwitchEV trial has recorded the second-by-second driving events of 44 all-electric vehicles covering a distance of over 400 000 miles across the North East of England, between March 2010 and May 2013. Linear models are used to determine the energy expenditure equations and Dijkstra's graph search algorithm is used to find the route minimising energy consumption. The results from this study are being used to better inform the decisions of the smart navigation and eco-driving assist systems in EVs, thus improving the intelligent transport systems provisions for EV drivers. The outputs of the research are twofold: providing more accurate estimations of available range and supporting drivers' optimisation of energy consumption and as a result extending their driving range. Both outputs could help mitigate range anxiety and make EVs a more attractive proposition to potential customers.