Abstract
The paper analyses the various factors that must be considered in the development of a commercially successful electric vehicle drive system and illustrates the examples with reference to dc and brushless drive systems. The design philosophy for volume production adopted by one company (Lucas Chloride EV Systems Limited) is described in some detail. The paper also describes the circuit arrangements adopted in the drive systems currently used by the company and, following the experience gained in millions of operational miles, the development route chosen for the next generation drive system. (A)