Comparative Evaluation of Low-, Medium-, and High-Fidelity Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Models for Electric Vehicle Applications

Abstract

The comparative evaluation of low-, medium-, and high-fidelity Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) models is essential for selecting appropriate simulation strategies in electric vehicle (EV) design and analysis. This study investigates the dynamic performance of three PMSM models, each representing a different level of modelling fidelity, implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and subjected to identical operating conditions using a unified control structure. The low-fidelity model achieved the fastest dynamic response (reaching the 3500 RPM reference in 0.30 seconds) but lacked physical detail, making it suitable for rapid prototyping. The medium-fidelity model exhibited performance close to that of the high-fidelity model (reaching the 3500 RPM reference in 0.34 seconds), though with a less smooth start-up, offering a balance between accuracy and simulation efficiency. The high-fidelity model provided the most refined transient response and is better suited for applications involving detailed electromagnetic and thermal behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of aligning model fidelity with application requirements.