Next generation electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EV’s) offer benefits through energy security, energy efficiency, low emissions and precision in their control, hence the great interest in this technology from industry, academia, government and regulators. With electrification comes increasing opportunities for on-board intelligent control measures to improve vehicle safety, comfort, energy conservation and environmental protection. And the use of electrical technology coupled with ‘electronic intelligence’ for improving vehicle safety, comfort, energy conservation and environmental protection may be considered as key factors to break the ‘bottle necks’ of EV’s marketization.

Technology will include in-wheel motors (IWMs) and supporting power electronics to enable all-wheel drive. Traction drive plus (regenerative) braking will form a single system, fully controlled by electronic/ electrical means.

The addition of a suspension mechanism and steering actuator then provides a set of ‘corner modules’ leading to a Full Drive-by-Wire (FDBW) vehicle platform which is the main focus of this research topic.

Your target is to test and evaluate advanced fully actuated electric vehicle technology which can achieve the status of a fast-growing disruptive technology through their inherent flexibility and modularity. This topic plans to improve the current EVs in both software and hardware structure, upgrading to maximize its benefits for safe, efficient and flexible transportation.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.