Performance Evaluation of an Electric Vehicle in Real Operating Conditions of Quito, Ecuador

The purpose of this paper is show a novel methodology to implement real condition tests for electric vehicles and to assess the performance of electric vehicles in reality in Quito, to compare this to the results from the manufacturer’s standardized tests. Electric vehicles are of particular interest for Ecuador, given its reliance on the importation of refined fossil fuels to satisfy the energy demands from the transport sector. This study assesses the performance, energy consumption, reliability, versatility and running cost of a BYD e6 Electric Vehicle (EV) and the associated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in the specific geographic region of Quito, Ecuador. The test driving cycle was performed at different elevations ranging from 1900 to 2850 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). All the results were analyzed and compared with respect to the performance of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles. The total energy needed to fully charge a battery was calculated to be 62.3 kWh, which allowed the vehicle to travel a total distance of 225 km. Overall, the running costs for the e6 under regular use were found to be approximately 50% less than those of conventional internal combustion engine cars.