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Driven by the will to gain further know-how and experience in the field of electric vehicles, and to demonstrate IDIADA's engineering capability, IDIADA decided to convert an existing light commercial vehicle, a Nissan Cabstar, into a fully electric vehicle. The brake department of Applus+ IDIADA investigated and developed different concepts of Regenerative Braking Systems (RBS) for this Electric Vehicle project, all of which based on the existing braking system, but with extended sensors. Thanks to their developments and technologies, Applus+ IDIADA succeeded in demonstrating the potential of electric vehicles. This presentation, with focus on the development and integration of the concept, aims at giving a brief overview on the results achieved so far.

A vehicle simulation model is developed, validated and integrated into a closed-loop virtual driving environment using a state-of-the-art hexapod driving simulator. Thirty variant states are implemented and evaluated subjectively on steering and handling performance quality and quantity. Standard open-loop objective testing manoeuvres are simulated and performance metrics are calculated, allowing for a systematic cross-correlation process. Graphical analysis of the correlation metrics proves that chassis changes may accurately be felt through the simulator interface. It is proposed how obtained correlation models may serve for driver-feel optimizing target setting in early vehicle development stages, frontloading a great deal of costly prototype testing. System requirements are established and benefits and limitations are portrayed.