Energy Efficiency Enhancement of Four-Wheel Drive Electric Vehicles Using SVPWM; Matlab/Simulink Simulation

Abstract

Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation, commonly known as vectorial pulse width modulation, is an advanced technique employed for controlling inverters that supply power to electric motors, particularly in automotive applications. This method is especially useful in electric vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive systems, where each axle-or even each individual wheel-can be powered independently. Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation improves the precision of motor control while ensuring balanced power distribution between the front and rear axles. A key benefit of this approach lies in its ability to synthesize output voltages that closely resemble sinusoidal waveforms, thereby minimizing harmonic distortion. This reduction in distortion enhances energy efficiency and lowers thermal stress in the motor. In addition, the technique optimizes the utilization of the DC bus voltage supplied by the battery-an essential aspect in electric vehicles with limited energy storage capacity. As a result, the system achieves faster torque dynamics, higher attainable speeds, and extended driving autonomy. In vehicles with permanent all-wheel-drive operation, accurate regulation of each motor becomes indispensable. SVPWM enables fine-tuned adjustment of the applied voltage vector, which facilitates advanced functionalities such as torque vectoring, improved vehicle stability, and adaptive traction control, particularly when operating under dynamic or irregular road conditions.