Intelligent powertrain for the next generation of e-POWER
Advancements in real-world fuel efficiency and quietness: An intelligent powertrain for the next generation of e-POWER
The next generation of e-POWER will utilize an intelligent powertrain, building upon the first-generation e-POWER technology by optimizing battery charging capabilities in terms of real-world fuel efficiency and quietness. This is accomplished by utilizing traffic and road surface information. Moving towards the goal of improved fuel efficiency and quietness on par with EVs, the future of e-POWER technology will incorporate machine learning and deep analysis to optimize performance according to the driver’s behavior.
System operation
The
e-POWER's
intelligent
powertrain
will
evolve
incrementally.
Initially,
the
on-board
engine
operation
is
controlled
by
real-time
sensor
information
only.
With
the
addition
of
road
surface
information,
the
system
can
identify
when
the
road
surface
can
best
mask
the
on-board
engine’s
running
noise.
The
system
can
activate
the
engine
to
charge
the
battery
pack
on
rough
surfaces
and
deactivate
on
smooth
surfaces
for
a
quieter
driving
experience.

For
further
development,
energy
management
will
be
optimized
through
usage
of
prediction
models
based
on
navigation
route
information
and
the
latest
road
traffic
information,
including
road
surface
information.
For
example,
based
on
the
location
information
of
the
driver’s
home,
traffic
jam
area,
rough
road
and
downhill
sections
on
a
navigated
route,
the
e-POWER’s
intelligent
powertrain
management
can
schedule
when
the
engine
needs
to
activate
in
advance.
This
combination
of
information
and
advanced
planning
can
enable
an
EV-like
drive
around
home
and
during
a
traffic
jam,
and
charge
the
battery
on
rough
roads
and
downhill
sections
to
improve
real
world
fuel
efficiency
and
quietness.

The future of e-POWER's intelligent powertrain technology will see gains on a daily basis, using additional outside information for machine learning and deep analysis to optimize performance according to the driver’s on-road behavior.