A topology-change model of multi-speed transmissions in electric vehicles during gear-shifting

Recent developments in electric vehicles incorporate multi-speed transmissions to improve the electric vehicle range and performance. Similar to transmissions for fossil-fuel vehicles, those for their electric counterparts undergo topology changes during gear-shifting. However, this important phenomenon has been overlooked in the development of transmission mathematical models, which results in unrealistic prediction of the transmission dynamic response. In this study, a topology-change model based on the impulse-momentum relation is developed to address the topology change of multi-speed transmissions in electric vehicles during gear-shifting. An orthogonal complement is introduced to eliminate the non-working constraint forces. The velocity jump brought about by topology changes is given due attention. A case study is included, whereby the model is applied to a novel modular multi-speed transmission for electric vehicles. First, tests are conducted on the transmission experimental testbed; then, the test results are reproduced in simulation using the model developed herein. Moreover, the velocity jump of the gear-shifting is computed by means of the model. Subsequently, simulation of the transmission gear-shifting incorporating the velocity jump is conducted. By means of the model developed in this paper, a more realistic prediction of the transmission dynamic response can be achieved. Moreover, this model can be applied to any vehicle transmissions with gear-shifting, such as dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs).