A Survey on Through-the-Road Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Abstract

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) can be divided into three categories according to how the two propulsion systems (the thermal and the electric ones) supply the driving torque to the vehicle. When the torque is supplied only by an electric propulsion system, while the heat engine takes care of generating the electricity needed to operate the system, it is called a hybrid-series. Conversely, when both propulsion systems provide torque, the vehicle is identified with parallel hybrid wording. Among the parallel hybrids there is a particular configuration called Through-the-Road (TTR). In this configuration, the two propulsion systems are not mechanically connected to each other, but it is precisely the road that allows hybrid propulsion. This architecture, dating back to the early twentieth century, is still used by several manufacturers and carries with it peculiar configurations and control methods. It is also a configuration that fits well with the transformation of conventional vehicles into a hybrid. The paper presents a survey of the TTR HEV solution, evidencing applications, potentialities and limits.