Hybrid & Electric Systems

Ricardo has extensive experience in delivering cost effective solutions for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. We are able to take concepts from a business case through to complete industrialisation programmes and have extensive design, simulation and systems integration experience and in-depth knowledge in all the relevant technologies. We work with the world’s leading automakers, vehicle component and system manufacturers, government agencies and industry regulatory bodies, providing unparalleled experience and expertise in vehicle hybridization, electrification, and the deployment of next-generation energy management and storage solutions.

Ricardo provides a comprehensive service covering the entire hybrid and electric vehicle product life-cycle:

  • Business case analysis, assessment and evaluation for products ranging from micro-hybrid variants of existing automotive products to all-electric and range extended vehicles
  • Complete hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain design and integration expertise including control and energy storage systems
  • Application of the latest legislation, regulation and safety requirements for all markets
  • Hybrid transmission design, development and prototyping
  • Powertrain integration and calibration, thermal, NVH and EMC development to meet specific application targets
  • Control strategy development including both hardware and embedded software, and integration with vehicle systems
  • Established centre of excellence for battery system development
  • Collaborative R&D projects for future hybrid and electric vehicle efficiency improvement
  • Charging station development expertise and experience
  • Research and consultancy on power distribution grid aspects of EV management including smart metering strategy development
  • In-depth research of consumer attitudes and predicted behaviours based on the mass roll-out of plug-in vehicles

Key benefits of the Ricardo H&EV services include:

  • Ricardo’s depth of strategic knowledge and technical experience enables customers to move quickly from concept to production
  • Proven expertise in complex programme management and delivery with well in excess of 100 hybrid and EV projects successfully completed
  • World-class hybrid and EV development resources and facilities
  • In-depth knowledge of automotive and power distribution sectors and associated technologies
  • A deep technical understanding and proven expertise to develop, validate and implement into production virtually any vehicle architecture