Research and Development of Electric Micro-Bus Vehicle Chassis

Abstract

In this project, a chassis concept has been developed for a small electric vehicle ’minibus’. The vehicle is intended to be used as a transport between agricultural locations in Ethiopia to cities where the products can be sold. The objective is to develop a chassis that can house several different modular structures for the purposes of transporting refrigerated goods, a mobile power grid, or people. Literature studies have been conducted on current electric vehicle markets, battery markets, chassis materials, and optimal cross-sections. The battery housings have also been analyzed from an environmental perspective to account for conditions in Ethiopia. Based on this, it was found that a four-wheeled ’minibus’ design including space for approximately fourteen custom batteries is optimal. It is essential to keep in mind that this project has been carried out both on a conceptual level within the framework of a degree project as well as a production project for use in Ethiopian rural areas. This master thesis project aims to provide a solid benchmark for further development and research within the subject.