A study of alternative drive control interfaces for next-generation electric vehicles

Abstract

The drive control interface in automobiles has not significantly changed for almost a century. Recent advances in electric vehicles and drive-by-wire technology allow for new alternative interfaces that enable novel vehicle designs. This study examines alternative driving interfaces by prototyping controls for use with a driving simulator. Volunteers use these interfaces to drive simulated scenarios designed to isolate specific interface features that are intuitive and easy to use. These results are used to inform the design of a new interface which is also tested with the simulator. The simulation results are used to identify design elements of successful alternative driving interfaces.