Maximising Aerodynamic Efficiency of BEV SUV underfloors

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Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are central to automotive manufacturers meeting their CO2 emissions obligations. Also, the sale of new internal combustion engine cars is being phased out. Navigating this transition requires customer acceptance with range a key factor, which is strongly influenced by aerodynamic drag.While BEVs provide new opportunities for lower drag underfloors SUVs must still deliver off-road performance with a rear suspension which is cost-effective, leading it to be exposed to the airflow: a drag and range penalty. Requirements for articulation and off-road robustness mean that conventional undertrays or covers are not effective solutions.This project aims to (1) identify the interactions between underfloor flow, rear suspension, diffuser, wheel and rear wake systems; (2) develop flow control strategies (e.g., vortex generators, deployable, deformable and morphing surfaces) reducing the drag impact of the suspension system, optimising the benefits of a rear diffuser as part of a wake control strategy.