Experimental Ride Comfort Analysis of an Electric Light Vehicle in Urban Scenario

Vella, Angelo Domenico; Vigliani, Alessandro; Tota, Antonio; Lisitano, Domenico · 2020 · Crossref

DOI: 10.4271/2020-01-1086

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Summary

This study addresses the challenge of evaluating ride comfort in electric light vehicles (ELVs) designed for urban mobility, specifically comparing them against conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and other electric vehicles. Motivated by the need to balance environmental targets with passenger well-being, the research focuses on the STEVE project’s electric quadricycle. The authors aim to determine if the design simplicity and lower mass of ELVs result in higher vibration levels compared to standard urban cars, despite the absence of engine-induced vibrations. The experimental methodology involved testing four vehicles: the STEVE electric quadricycle, a Smart Fortwo (ICE), a Bolloré Bluecar (electric), and a Fiat 500 (ICE). Tests were conducted on two road surfaces—smooth asphalt and cobblestone—at eight constant speeds ranging from 5 km/h to 40 km/h. Onboard accelerations were recorded at the driver’s seat, feet, and steering wheel using tri-axial accelerometers, adhering to ISO 2631 (whole-body vibration) and ISO 5349 (hand-transmitted vibration) standards. An optical sensor monitored vehicle speed and path. Data were processed in the frequency domain using MATLAB, applying standard frequency weightings and combining Root Mean Square (RMS) values to calculate overall comfort indices. The results highlight distinct vibrational behaviors among the vehicles. The STEVE quadricycle exhibited significant frequency content between 2 and 6 Hz at the feet and seat, with vertical acceleration amplitudes approximately four times larger than horizontal ones. Driving on cobblestones introduced high-frequency peaks. In contrast, the Bolloré Bluecar and Smart Fortwo showed flatter spectral trends, with minor peaks around 4 Hz. The Fiat 500 demonstrated a unique behavior where the primary vibration peak shifted from 1.8 Hz to 3.8 Hz as speed increased from 15 km/h to 40 km/h, likely due to wheelbase filtering effects. The study notes that while ELVs lack engine vibrations, their structural simplicity may lead to different vibration transmission characteristics compared to heavier, more complex M1-class vehicles. The significance of this work lies in providing objective, standardized data on the comfort performance of emerging electric light vehicles. By comparing the STEVE quadricycle with established urban mobility options, the study offers insights into the trade-offs between vehicle size, cost, and ride quality. The findings suggest that while ELVs offer advantages in urban maneuverability and cost, their comfort levels are influenced by specific dynamic responses to road irregularities that differ from traditional cars. This analysis supports the development of better design guidelines for ELVs to mitigate discomfort and ensure they meet user expectations for urban transportation.

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• passenger motion sickness comfort