ENGINEERING

Excitement is built through images that illustrate the end product.  But the road between these exciting images and a working vehicle is long and arduous.  The process of engineering a working vehicle is filled with thousands of details that add up to a masterpiece of structure and motion.  Here is a summary of the engineering steps included in CalMotors’ Method Q vehicle design methodology:

Requirements definitions

• Quantification of Required Capabilities
• Additional Feature Set
• Performance Calculations
• NHTSA – FMVSS Regulations
• Documentation and approval

Driveline Engineering

• Power Requirements to meet performance specifications
• Drive Cycle Simulation
• Final Performance Specification
• Final Vehicle Package definition
• Components Specification
• Engineered Components
• Engine/Electric Motor Integration
• Ergonomics

Chassis Engineering

• Main Frame
• Front Subframe
• Rear Subframe
• Body Mounting System
• Component Mounting System

Suspension Engineering

• Suspension Type Selection
• Kinematic Analysis
• Roll Center Analysis
• Force Analysis
• Anti-Squat/Anti-Dive Geometry
• Lateral load transfer
• Suspension Component Selection

Electronic Systems Engineering

• Vehicle Control Systems (Master System)
• Battery Integration (Hybrid systems)
• Wiring Diagram
• Wiring Harness

Braking

• Kinetic Calculations
• Brake Proportion and Adhesion
• Hydraulic Braking System
• Mechanical Braking System
• Regenerative Braking System