MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A COMPACT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONVERSION FOR ETHIOPIAN URBAN TRANSPORT USING MATLAB/SIMULINK

Abstract

Ethiopia’s transition to sustainable mobility is challenged by high fuel costs, import dependence, and limited access to affordable electric vehicles (EVs). This study develops a technically feasible and economically adaptable framework for converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs, ensuring compliance with national retrofit standards and optimizing drivetrain integration, energy efficiency, and performance validation. A widely used 1993 Toyota Corolla was selected for conversion and equipped with a three-phase liquid-cooled BLDC motor rated at 20 kW nominal and 50 kW peak power, limited to 145 Nm torque per standard. The 121.6 V, 280 Ah LiFePO₄ battery pack (34.06 kWh) powered the system, while the original five-speed gearbox was retained to enhance torque delivery and maintain compatibility. Safety and auxiliary systems included vacuum-assisted braking, electric hydraulic steering, and a 600 A battery management system. The methodology encompassed powertrain sizing, component selection, and MATLAB/Simulink-based simulations using the FTP-75 urban cycle. Results showed a 261 km range per charge and 130.6 Wh/km energy consumption, indicating strong urban applicability. Compared with commercially available EVs such as the BYD Seagull, the converted vehicle exhibited comparable performance and efficiency. The originality of this work lies in its use of a locally available ICE platform, adherence to Ethiopian retrofit standards, and comprehensive simulation-based validation. These findings highlight the potential of vehicle retrofitting as a cost-effective strategy for electrifying Ethiopia’s existing fleet, reducing fuel dependency, and supporting national sustainability goals.