Evaluation and Comparison of Multi-Power Source Coupling Technologies for Vehicles Based on Driving Dynamics
Open Access
- 7 January 2026
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 18 (2) , 602
Abstract
With the growing consumer demand for enhanced driving dynamics in vehicles, optimizing powertrain configurations to balance performance, energy efficiency, and cost has become a critical challenge. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) suffer from significant energy consumption and cost penalties when improving acceleration performance. This study systematically evaluates the trade-offs between dynamic performance, energy consumption, and direct manufacturing costs across six powertrain configurations: ICEV, 48 V mild hybrid (48 V), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV). By developing a comprehensive parameterized model, we quantify the impacts of acceleration improvement on vehicle mass, energy consumption, and costs. Key findings reveal that electrified powertrains (PHEV, REV, BEV) exhibit superior cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. For instance, improving 0–100 km/h acceleration time from 9 to 5 s reduces direct manufacturing costs by only 5.72% for BEV versus 13.38% for ICEV, while PHEV achieves a balanced compromise with 3.40% lower fuel consumption and 10.43% cost increase compared to conventional counterparts. Mechanistic analysis attributes these advantages to higher power density of electric motors and simplified energy transmission in electrified systems. This work provides data-driven insights for consumers and automakers to prioritize powertrain technologies under dynamic performance requirements, highlighting PHEV with driving range of 50 km as the optimal choice for harmonizing driving experience, energy economy, and affordability. The results of this study assist automakers in optimizing the technology pathways of vehicle powertrain, within the consumer demand for dynamic performance. This plays a crucial role in advancing the automotive industry’s overall fuel consumption and energy consumption, thereby contributing to sustainable development.Keywords
This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Comparative analysis for different vehicle powertrains in terms of energy-saving potential and cost-effectiveness in ChinaEnergy, 2023
- Energy-saving cost-effectiveness analysis of improving engine thermal efficiency and extending all-electric range methods for plug-in hybrid electric vehiclesEnergy Conversion and Management, 2022
- Impact of the acceleration intensity of a passenger car in a road test on energy consumptionEnergy, 2021
- The impact of disruptive powertrain technologies on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty vehiclesEnergy Conversion and Management: X, 2020
- An optimal electric vehicle investment model for consumers using total cost of ownership: A real option approachApplied Energy, 2019
- A comprehensive review on hybrid electric vehicles: architectures and componentsJournal of Modern Transportation, 2019
- Market-driven automotive industry compliance with fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards: Analysis based on consumer choiceEnergy Policy, 2017
- Plug-in electric vehicle market penetration and incentives: a global reviewMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2014
- Total cost of ownership, payback, and consumer preference modeling of plug-in hybrid electric vehiclesApplied Energy, 2013
- Fuel conservation and GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions mitigation scenarios for China’s passenger vehicle fleetEnergy, 2011