System architecture and software design for electric vehicles

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the system architecture and software design challenges for Electric Vehicles (EVs). First, we introduce the EV-specific components and their control, considering the battery, electric motor, and electric powertrain. Moreover, technologies that will help to advance safety and energy efficiency of EVs such as drive-by-wire and information systems are discussed. Regarding the system architecture, we present challenges in the domain of communication and computation platforms. A paradigm shift towards time-triggered in-vehicle communication systems becomes inevitable for the sake of determinism, making the introduction of new bus systems and protocols necessary. At the same time, novel computational devices promise high processing power at low cost which will make a reduction in the number of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) possible. As a result, the software design has to be performed in a holistic manner, considering the controlled component while transparently abstracting the underlying hardware architecture. For this purpose, we show how middleware and verification techniques can help to reduce the design and test complexity. At the same time, with the growing connectivity of EVs, security has to become a major design objective, considering possible threats and a security-aware design as discussed in this paper.

Impact of electromobility on automotive architectures

“…In the long-term scenario, fuel cell and battery electric vehicles could allow to gain a high level of flexibility through high-end drive-by-wire technologies. Specifically designed software will replace the traditional mechanical operating systems, controlling the vehicle by means of electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces [4]. Hence, traditional components such as intermediate shafts, master cylinders, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers and vacuum servos, and steering column will be eliminated, and a new volume distribution within the vehicle is obtained.…”

Extending EAST-ADL for Modeling and Analysis of Partitions on Functional Architectures

“…Already in 2007 an BMW 7 contained 67 embedded devices providing 270 functions interacting with the user (Pretschner et al, 2007). Up to 100 Electronic Control Units (ECUs) have been placed in premium vehicles in 2013 (Lukasiewycz et al, 2013). With the development of autonomous vehicles, the complexity will further increase, assuring a safe and comfort driving experience.…”

Battery lifetime-aware automotive climate control for electric vehicles

“…Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been accepted as sustainable solution and a new paradigm of transportation [1] to address the environmental issues caused by greenhouse gases and other pollutants coming from road transportation [2]. Despite the incentives provided by governments to promote EV deployment [3], EVs pose new challenges in the trade-off between costs and performance [4].…”

“…The SoH degrades over time according to the battery usage pattern and the battery will become useless when it degrades for about 20% [6]. In order to alleviate the driving range and battery lifetime issue, a Battery Management System (BMS) is typically implemented to monitor and control the battery cells [1]. The BMS prevents overcharging, overdischarging, overheating, and imbalance of battery cells to improve their energy efficiency and lifetime.…”