Next-Generation Coordinated Lateral Stability Control for Electric Vehicles

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Are you passionate about electric vehicle (EV) technology, advanced control systems, and autonomous driving? This PhD opportunity offers the chance to pioneer a novel lateral stability framework that will redefine vehicle safety and energy efficiency. Modern Electric Vehicles require sophisticated stability management.

While Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are vital, traditional systems often struggle with the nonlinear dynamics of tires and the computational limits of real-time implementation. This project aims to bridge the gap between advanced theoretical control and real-world industrial application. In this research, you will develop a coordinated, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system that integrates Active Front Steering (AFS) and Direct Yaw Control (DYC).

By harnessing the precision of in-wheel electric motors and employing Reinforcement Learning (RL) for dynamic gain tuning, your work will significantly expand the vehicle’s stability envelope while improving passenger comfort and energy efficiency. As a PhD candidate, you will: Candidate requirements We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a foundation in control theory, vehicle dynamics, and programming (MATLAB/Simulink). Experience with machine learning/reinforcement learning is desirable.

Candidates should possess good problem-solving skills and a passion for automotive innovation. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

Develop a coordinated MIMO stability system for electric vehicles
Integrates Active Front Steering with Direct Yaw Control
Uses Reinforcement Learning for dynamic control gain tuning
Harnesses in-wheel electric motors to expand vehicle stability envelope
Bridges advanced control theory with real-world industrial application
94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of fees
Alumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000
London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000
Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of fees
Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

Vehicle dynamics engineer
Control systems engineer
Electric vehicle research engineer
Autonomous driving systems engineer
Postdoctoral research associate

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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