There has been increasing interest in electric powertrain systems for personal and commercial vehicles in recent years. Electric powertrain systems include the main components that generate and deliver power to the road surface for fully electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications. EV, HEV and PHEV powertrains offer several advantages over traditional powertrains, such as cleaner emissions, improved fuel economy and low end torque, but they are not without their technical challenges. Fortunately, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been involved with vehicle electrification research and development since 1990 in light-duty, heavy-duty, on-road, and off-road markets, and we have the experience and technical expertise to assist our customers in addressing their needs for electric powertrains.
EV Powertrain Testing & Research
SwRI offers several EV powertrain services including modeling and analysis support, component level testing, sub-system level testing, all the way up to system level and vehicle testing. This diversity allows SwRI to assist customers along all stages of electric powertrain systems research and development process.
EV Modeling & Analytical Services
SwRI has assisted customers with various projects including:
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Finite element analysis
- CAE thermal analysis
- Component and vehicle performance modeling
Electric Vehicle Testing Services
SwRI conducts abuse, performance, and durability tests on the following components and systems:
- Battery Abuse & Safety Testing Laboratory
- Battery cell, battery module & battery packs
- Battery chargers
- Electric pumps (water, oil, power steering, etc.)
- Inverters
- Rectifiers
- Variable frequency drives
- Motors
- Transmissions
- Various combinations of the aforementioned components
- Full vehicle testing on road or chassis dynamometers
SwRI can design and conduct tests to meet the following standards:
- ISO 17025
- UN ECE100-02
- UN 38.3
- KMVSS
- SAE-J2464
- SAE-J2929
- ISO-12405-3
- IEC-62660
- DO-311
- MIL-STD-810G
- GB/T 31467.3
- NAVSEA S9310
- CMC-EP-WI-033
- CMC-EP-WI-031
SwRI prides itself on being able to take on new, unique and/or difficult tasks. Do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your project and its specific needs.