Development of a MATLAB/Simulink Based Performance and Simulation Program for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Wheeled and Tracked Vehicle Powertrains

ABSTRACT Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have attracted increasing attention due to their high energy efficiency, zero emissions, and potential for sustainable transportation, making accurate powertrain simulation crucial for design and performance evaluation. However, comprehensive simulation tools for FCEVs remain limited, and existing platforms often restrict user flexibility, hindering the assessment of various vehicle architectures and control strategies. Open and modular environments such as MATLAB/Simulink enable detailed modeling of energy flow, vehicle dynamics, and hybrid powertrain components, allowing the investigation of efficiency and dynamic behavior under realistic conditions. In this study, a comprehensive simulation framework named the Performance Analysis and Driving Simulation Program (PADSIP) was developed for electric, fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles, covering both series and parallel configurations for wheeled and tracked platforms. The framework integrates modular models of fuel cells, batteries, electric motors, and energy management strategies, coupling vehicle dynamics with powertrain control algorithms to simulate standard driving cycles such as the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). The developed PADSIP framework provides a flexible and user‐oriented platform for analyzing fuel cell hybrid powertrains, enabling comparative performance studies and supporting the development of advanced energy management and optimization strategies.