INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONSUMPTION UNDER DIFFERENT DRIVING MODES

Abstract

The popularity of electric vehicles is growing rapidly in the world. Electric vehicles do not emit direct exhaust gases during operation; therefore, they significantly contribute to improving air quality in cities and reducing climate change. The study was conducted using the electric vehicle “VW e-UP”. This electric vehicle has an integrated energy management system that allows the driver to select different driving modes according to operating conditions and energy saving needs. Test data was recorded using diagnostic equipment while driving the same 10.7 km route using three different driving modes (“Normal”, “Eco” and “Eco+”). Experimental studies were conducted under real driving conditions. The analysis focused on instantaneous power demand, average energy consumption, battery state of charge (SOC), and the amount of energy recovered through regenerative braking. The results showed that the Normal mode produced the highest power peaks and the largest energy consumption, with an average of 9.9 kWh/100 km. In Eco mode, energy consumption decreased to 9.08 kWh/100 km, while Eco+ mode achieved the lowest value of 8.83 kWh/100 km. Compared to Normal mode, energy consumption was reduced by approximately 8.3% in Eco mode and 10.8% in Eco+ mode. The study also showed that regenerative braking generated the highest amount of recovered energy in Normal mode due to more frequent acceleration and braking events. However, despite higher regeneration, the total energy consumption in this mode remained the highest. In Eco and Eco+ modes, smoother driving patterns reduced both power peaks and overall energy demand. Overall, the results confirm that driving mode significantly influences electric vehicle energy efficiency, and optimized driving modes can noticeably reduce energy consumption and increase driving range.