ARAI reveals new mild hybrid powertrain for 2- and 3-wheelers at SIAT 2019

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the leading automotive R&D organisation in the country, is showcasing its latest indigenous developments for the automotive industry at the ongoing SIAT 2019 conclave in Pune. These include new advances in electric mobility, safety, technology and R&D. The organisers of the 16^th Symposium on International Automotive Technology, clearly have delivered to the theme of SIAT 2019 – ‘Empowering Mobility – Safe and Intelligent Way.’ The standout exhibit though is the 'DVI' fully integrated mild hybrid powertrain.  

The DVI mild hybrid powertrain 
At its stand (Stall No. 236), which is seeing plenty of visitor footfalls, ARAI is displaying the DVI fully integrated mild hybrid powertrain in a compact vehicle that efficiently utilises space. It comes with a P1 parallel coupling that replaces the starter circuit to provide a spirited driving experience, while still being as effective.

ARAI claims that the DVI powertrain has twice the bottom-end torque than conventional systems and twice the typical city drive cycle efficiency and half the emissions. Has two drive sources for two- and three-wheelers.

The concept has been named as DVI (which is Sanskrit for the number two). The concept comes with two drive sources that are suitable for two- and three- wheelers. ARAI claims that the powertrain comes with twice the bottom-end torque over the conventional systems and twice the typical city drive cycle efficiency and half the emissions.

The concept uses the instant, high torque, silent output of an electric motor coupled with a powerful reliable and established internal combustion engine. Its ability to shift between the two drives enables it with a host of driving features that include start-stop, EV-only crawl, assisted engine braking regeneration, e-ride, boost, launch control and many more.

At present the 190kg bike model's specifications are a liquid-cooled F1 engine that generates 20Kw at 7500rpm and 30 Nm torque at 5500rpm; old-cooled BDC (rated at 1.5Kw / 3Kw burst); high charge-discharge rated at 0.36 Kwhrbattery pack, >1500 cycles. 

ARAI says the result is a motorcycle that feels and rides like a higher-capacity vehicle.  Other prototypes are being developed for the commuter segment as well.   

EV chargers compliant with most of the major charging standards like DC001, GB-T, CHAdeMO and CCS.

ARAI has also showcased its chargers for electric vehicles that are compliant with most of the major charging standards such as DC001, GB-T, CHAdeMO and CCS. Currently in its simulator form, the system could be used to test the load-bearing ability of the system and the electric vehicles that is being charged.

ARAI also has an indigenously developed AC EV charger on display.

There is also an AC charger that has been indigenously developed for the general public application. The charging system comes with Bharat Stage ports and RFID tags.

Lightweight bus
ARAI has also revealed a model of an alumnium-bodied lightweight bus. Speaking to Autocar Professional recently, Rashmi Urdhwareshe, director, ARAI said: “The lightweight bus deploys at a bus construction level and uses materials which are lighter than the conventional material. It actually uses aluminium for the super structure. Special joints have been developed and we will be demonstrating that technology."

"This is essentially to take electric mobility to greater heights and, therefore, we need to look into the lightweighting of vehicles. Buses are one such potential candidate where the impact of weight reduction will have a very big benefit in improving travel range and the efficiency of the electric powertrain,” she added.

Testing of component durability, CoE for e-mobility  
The ARAI stall also presents the organisation’s research in the field of component durability testing. On display is a mechanism where the durability and fatigue of chassis-mounted automotive components can be tested.

The ARAI stall also houses a 3D layout of the recently opened Centre of Excellence (CoE) for electric mobility at Chakan, which has been specifically developed with a focus on the development of e-mobility and its relevant infrastructure.

In her interview with Autocar Professional (published in the January 15, 2019 magazine edition), Rashmi Urdhwareshe said: “ The Centre of Excellence is working in multiple ways to help the industry develop and standardise components, so that the industry sees a benefit in the short time that is available to productionise them. The CoE also invites collaborative projects through a newly set up portal. We are also working with other institutes like NCL and others to work collaboratively in some basic areas. The Centre is also supporting the government in new regulations that are required and the constructional safety level. I think most of the regulations are in place and all electric vehicle approval-related regulations have fructified.

What is remaining currently is the standards required for the EV charging infrastructure. ARAI has formulated the Bharat EV charging protocol and the committee under BIS is now in the process of finalising it. To get everyone on board, we have to be inclusive in terms of various technology solutions. So on one side, we have inclusivity and on the other we have standardisation. This is a classic dilemma that is handled by this Centre. We are also handling technical possibilities such as swappable batteries, which need very strong standards for operational safety. That is being worked out too.”