Advanced Distributed Drive Software for Multi-Motor SUV Platform
Challenge
Our client sought to develop a high-performance SUV platform designed to handle complex off-road conditions while supporting a range of powertrain configurations.
From full-electric to range extender and plug-in hybrid variants, the platform needed to be modular, flexible, and ready to scale. Central to their ambition was the development of distributed drive application controls integrated within the client’s Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software.
Adding to the complexity, however, was the variety of drivetrain configurations that the software was required to accommodate. These included plug-in hybrids with an internal combustion engine and multiple electric motors, fully electric variants ranging from two to four motors, and range extender setups combining a combustion engine with two, three or four electric motors. Each configuration required precise control, particularly in off-road conditions where torque distribution and traction management are critical.
The final product would need to dynamically distribute torque both front-to-rear and left-to-right, with control algorithms based on yaw rate and vehicle dynamics. On top of that, it had to incorporate off-road specific features, hybrid mode management, and energy optimisation.
Furthermore, the client requested full development support spanning system engineering, software design, testing and verification, as well as knowledge transfer to their internal teams.
Approach
Building on the advanced capabilities of Ricardo's existing Vehicle Control Supervisor platform, our team was able to begin development from a mature distributed drive control solution, helping to accelerate the process and reduce project risk.
Functional requirements were translated into a scalable software architecture capable of adapting to the full range of AWD configurations. By leveraging the CarSim and Ricardo VSIM co-simulation environment, for example, our experts could validate control strategies through detailed vehicle simulations that covered everything from fuel economy to lateral dynamics.
Functional safety was also central to the development, with a structured approach applied from vehicle level down to subsystem and software.
Meanwhile, our testing strategy combined Model-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop environments, allowing us to validate performance and safety under a wide range of operating conditions.
Vehicle calibration was supported by pre-calibrated software, tested and refined in the simulation environment, meaning real-world testing could begin from a solid baseline, reducing test time and iteration cycles.
As part of our white-box delivery model, we provided full software transparency alongside documentation and training. The client’s internal teams also received guidance and training throughout to ensure they could maintain and enhance the software after the project’s completion.
Results
The client successfully completed Phase A of development and subsequently progressed to Phase B. The completed distributed drive control platform supports a range of multi-motor powertrain configurations, as well as advanced torque vectoring, wheel-slip control, and off-road specific functions such as tank turning, assisted drift and electronic differential lock.
Thanks to Ricardo’s mature software foundation and simulation-led approach, the overall development timeline was reduced by approximately 50%. The combination of a transparent, configurable platform and in-project knowledge transfer enabled the client’s engineering team to ramp up its internal capabilities three to four times faster than traditional methods.
The software now forms the backbone of a flexible, scalable vehicle control strategy, one that is capable of adapting to future product variants whilst giving the client full control over its future evolution.