Forward power‐train energy management modeling for assessing benefits of integrating predictive traffic data into plug‐in‐hybrid electric vehicles

In this paper, a forward power‐train plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle model with an energy management system and a cycle optimization algorithm is evaluated for energy efficiency. Using wirelessly communicated predictive traffic data for vehicles in a roadway network, as envisioned in intelligent transportation systems, traffic prediction cycles are optimized using a cycle optimization strategy. This resulted in a 56–86% fuel efficiency improvements for conventional vehicles. When combined with the plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle power management system, about 115% energy efficiency improvements were achieved. Further improvements in the overall energy efficiency of the network were achieved with increased penetration rates of the intelligent transportation assisted enabled plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles.