Analysis of the electric drive mode use and energy flow in hybrid drives of SUVs in urban and extra-urban traffic conditions

The fuel consumption reduction increases the share of hybrid systems in the vehicle market. SUVs (sport utility vehicle) which is typically a kind of station wagon with off-road vehicle features are equipped with such systems increasingly more often. Using the representatives of this vehicle group (Toyota, Lexus), energy flow analysis was performed in the urban and extra-urban driving conditions in a typical agglomeration. The amount of energy used and recovered was estimated, taking regenerative braking into account. Analyzes were performed to determine the driving conditions in electric mode. The electric mode drive share of such vehicles in urban and extra-urban conditions was determined. There was a large share of electric mode during braking and an increased share when traveling at a constant speed. It has been shown that this driving mode share is significant at low and medium speeds, and decreases at a speed above 50 km/h (regardless of the driving conditions). The share of electric mode driving in urban conditions was estimated: it is at least 40 % of the covered distance and is significantly reduced in extra-urban driving conditions (share of up to 20 %). This article specifies the parameters of the electrical system cooperation in real driving conditions. Analyzes of these works are important to recognize the future possibilities of improving the control of the hybrid drive.