Model based engineering and realization of the KAYOOLA Electric City Bus powertrain

Abstract

In the race to decrease the well-to-wheels fuel consumption and improve environmental stewardship, automakers and researchers worldwide have moved to electrify the vehicle powertrain for personal and public transportation. The Center for Research in Transportation Technologies at Makerere University is exploring electric vehicle transportation technology as a plausible solution to traffic issues in Uganda's urban centers and cities. Electric vehicle transportation in Africa's cities is a practical solution due to the fact that most of these cities are on a relatively small area; distances involved are small. This paper presents the technical, operational and functional aspects that were considered in the design of the KAYOOLA Electric City Bus, which has a drive cycle that suits the public transport system in Kampala City in Uganda. Since Battery Electric Vehicles have specific on-board energy, the powertrain for the KAYOOLA electric city bus was designed following the specific road-load requirements of typical city drive cycle from data obtained from actual road measurements in Kampala city. For range extension, Onboard solar charging is incorporated. To accurately predict performance, Autonomie-Modeling and simulation tool kit for light and heavy duty vehicles developed by Argonne National Laboratory was used to model and simulate the entire powertrain, noting effects of the grades, range, speed and drive cycles on the battery SOC and voltage. Design iterations are made to meet performance targets. This approach was employed to reduce time between concept development and prototyping while maximizing efficiency. The results shall inform the integration of key powertrain technologies into the KAYOOLA Electric City Bus.

What Place for Electric Vehicles as a Research Object and a Practical Alternative to Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles in Africa? Toward a Research Agenda Based on a Systematic Literature Review and a Census of Electromobility Projects

“…Out of 138 projects identified, only five have been studied by researchers so far. These include: (i) the passenger vehicle called the “Joule” made by the South African manufacturer Optimal Energy ( 26 , 27 ), (ii) the solar-powered car “Sun Chaser” designed by Tshwane University of Technology to participate in the Sasol Solar Challenge ( 28 , 29 ), (iii) the Kayoola electric bus built by Ugandan car manufacturer Kiira Motor ( 16 ), (iv) the solar-powered tricycle called Solar-E-Cycle from the Kenyan startup Solar-E-Cycle ( 30 ), and, (v) the solar-powered taxi service (in the LCV segment) in Gambia ( 31 ).…”

“…Cape Verde and Egypt are leading the way on bans on ICEVs (for all segments from two-wheelers to buses and trucks in the former, and for passenger cars only in the latter), which are expected to be enforced, respectively, from 2035 and 2040 onwards ( 14 , 15 ). Yet other countries, such as Uganda, hope to achieve a technological leap in their automotive industries by developing a local EV industry ( 16 ). At the urban level, the transition is even faster.…”

Research Journeys to Net Zero

“…Uganda hopes to achieve a technological leap in the automotive industry by developing a local EV industry (Amedokpo & Boutueil, 2022;Madanda et al, 2013). Uganda's state-owned nascent car manufacturer developed a 9-metre solar-powered electric city bus.…”