*3.1. EREV Configuration*

The system for power transmission in an EREV includes an APU, an electric motor, and a battery. Other components complement the system, such as the DC-DC converter and an electronic controller, but these components do not define the vehicle's configuration. The electric motor is the main component that defines the configuration of an electric vehicle or extended-range electric vehicle. The configuration of the vehicle is determined by the position of the electric motor and by the technology. The electric motor can be in a longitudinal or lateral position, and it can be at the front or the rear of the vehicle. The electric motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy and transmits it to the wheels, but it can also have a gearbox and a mechanical differential. If the car has an electric motor for each wheel, or if the motors are inside the wheels, the differential system must be electronic.

An EV and its APU contribute three factors of major importance:


The type of configuration is studied and analyzed in order to optimize the topology better. The batteries are left aside and only are under consideration for the type of traction, the direction that the EV will have, the gearbox, and the final transmission ratio. The APU can be positioned regardless of the vehicle's configuration. The electric motor is the only one that provides power to the wheels.
