New ideas for city trucks Moving goods with conventional trucks is fraught with problems. A new EU vehicle concept solves many of the difficulties. Climate Change and Environment © Thinkstock Conventional freight trucks are expensive to run, polluting, and difficult and dangerous to drive through inner-city traffic. Hence, Europe has called for a new concept in urban goods vehicles. Responding to this was the 'City multi-role optimised vehicle' (CITY MOVE) project. The 15-member partnership ran from October 2010 to March 2013, with EU funding of nearly EUR 3.3 million. The project aimed to develop an innovative and flexible vehicle, purpose-designed for urban freight, which would also be green and safe. Specific aims for the vehicle included improved efficiency, reduced environmental impact and better management of services. The vehicle would have a hybrid power supply and contribute to European Commission needs. The project successfully completed its mission, and developed and tested three prototype freight vehicles according to the project specifications. The project began with discussions among stakeholders to determine requirements for the vehicle and its functions. Conceptual work included vehicle architecture and capacity, meaning smaller exterior dimensions but similar internal capacity, and hybrid energy technologies to reduce consumption and emissions. Additionally, the project developed systems for reducing external noise, improving travel performance, reducing cost for body-builders, and improving modularity and flexibility. Team members developed systems using a refrigerant gas with much lower global warming potential than conventional refrigerants. The CITY MOVE vehicle also included improved safety systems, including those for collision and roll-over avoidance, and protection for vulnerable road users. Dissemination work included presentation of the project's results at numerous conferences and workshops. At the final event, potential users had the opportunity to test the prototypes under certain scenarios. The project also created an exploitation plan. Outcomes will also provide opportunities for European business. The impact of CITY MOVE's work will be improved transportation efficiency, cleaner and quieter vehicles, and improved safety. The vehicles will also help improve local air pollution and aid in meeting international emissions targets.
