Analysis of Energy Consumption of an Electric Vehicle Prototype with MATLAB/Simulink for Battery Sizing
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: An integrated model is presented to estimate the energy consumption of a Formula SAE–type electric vehicle by combining MATLAB/Simulink simulations with real operational data from the Cotopaxi kart circuit. The implemented subsystem incorporates vehicle dynamics, speed, and grade profiles, and it enables the calculation of tractive energy across different competition scenarios. The L3 cycle (maximum speed 90.91 km/h, distance 16.67 km) proved the most demanding, with a tractive energy consumption of 1389.10 Wh, mechanical losses of 630.89 Wh, and a useful net energy of 758.21 Wh. Rolling resistance and inertia accounted for 21.33% and 56.29% of the consumption, respectively, highlighting the influence of acceleration/deceleration dynamics. All cycles were dominated by active phases, with 0% stops and cruising time < 0.21%, validating the model for high-demand conditions. The technical feasibility of second-life Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells for the battery pack was also confirmed: a 30s2p configuration using 100 Ah cells meets the peak energy demand of 18.30 kWh while maintaining adequate operational margin and a safe discharge C-rate. Structural simulation in ANSYS enabled optimization of mass and stiffness, reducing overall energy demand. This multidisciplinary approach provides a quantitative basis for battery sizing and energy management strategies in competitive electric vehicle applications.
Source: World Electric Vehicle Journal
DOI: 10.3390/wevj17090442
Authors: Romel Carrera, Leonidas Quiroz, Xavier Arias, Vanessa Gavilánez, Danilo Zambrano, José Quiroz
Institution: Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
OpenAlex ID: W7204183784