System-Level Architecture Definition and IWM Study for an Electrical Off-Road Emergency Vehicle Platform Prototype

Abstract

The focus in this work is to identify an early-stage development architecture for an electric off-road vehicle, specifically for the use of emergency and defensive forces. An IWM propulsion system for this vehicle would also be a prospective option for this type of vehicle. To start with a benchmarking with similar vehicles to provide realistic design parameters and architectural constraints. Based on this evaluation, I developed a concept around the automobile and the wheel system. The study is complemented by simplified analytical calculations and numerical methods such as structural, CFD, and thermal. The results suggest major limitations of the IWM concept in this case. These issues mainly stem from tight packaging space, high torque demands, and a lower cooling capacity compared to conventional systems. Based on this evaluation, a distributed electric drive architecture using multiple outboard motors is a more effective solution. This work establishes a solid architectural baseline and provides the data needed for early decision-making in future vehicle development.