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Enhancing efficiency of ethanol-powered range extenders in the BMW i3: A simulation-based optimization approach

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Listed:
  • Weissinger, Frederico
  • Lacava, Pedro
  • Peñaranda, Alexander
  • Martelli, Andre
  • Rufino, Caio Henrique
  • Curto-Risso, Pedro
  • Martinez-Boggio, Santiago

Abstract

Ethanol-powered range-extended plug-in hybrid electric vehicles offer a sustainable alternative to reduce carbon emissions in light-duty transport. This study optimizes a BMW i3's range-extender engine for hydrous ethanol by increasing compression ratio, applying a Miller cycle, and using exhaust gas recirculation. Vehicle simulations and testing show a brake-specific fuel consumption reduction of up to 10.5 %, with a 4 % fuel efficiency gain over gasoline blends. Ethanol use decreased vehicle fuel consumption by over 20 % in most cycles and reduced overall energy consumption by 10 % compared to the gasoline range extender, though with a 5 % range loss due to ethanol's lower energy density. Despite this, ethanol's rapid refuelling capability presents an advantage over battery-electric vehicles. These findings highlight ethanol-powered range extenders as a practical solution to lower emissions while mitigating range anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Weissinger, Frederico & Lacava, Pedro & Peñaranda, Alexander & Martelli, Andre & Rufino, Caio Henrique & Curto-Risso, Pedro & Martinez-Boggio, Santiago, 2025. "Enhancing efficiency of ethanol-powered range extenders in the BMW i3: A simulation-based optimization approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:251:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125010560
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123394
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    Keywords

    Ethanol; Range extender; CO2 emissions; Electrification;
    All these keywords.

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