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Efficient and affordable Zero Emission logistics through NEXT generation Electric TRUCKs

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NextETRUCK (Efficient and affordable Zero Emission logistics through NEXT generation Electric TRUCKs)

Reporting period: 2022-07-01 to 2023-12-31

NextETRUCK is a three-year Horizon Europe project that develops ZEV concepts tailored for regional medium freight haulage, running from 1 July 2022 until 31 December 2025 with TNO as the project coordinator. NextETRUCK is expected to achieve at least a 10% increase in energy efficiency compared to existing highest-end benchmark electric vehicles. In addition, it shall prepare concept and infrastructure demonstrators for fast charging and offer new business models to increase end-user acceptance and foster the market uptake of the project solutions.
WP2:WP2 consists of five tasks documenting the use-cases and vehicle definition (D2.1) systems and element definition and interactions and test catalogue. WP2 uses a level structure approach to define the overall system and its individual elements. The system overview, the logical architectures, the elements interfaces, and the interactions, as well as the connectivity technologies are described. WP2 outlines a test catalogue that covers system element tests, system interaction tests, and complete system tests which are to be performed for verification.

WP3:In WP3, partners outlined system architecture, design, and TCO optimization for vehicle components, powertrain, and charging infrastructure. Key achievements include co-design framework development for powertrain sizing, thermal cooling and cabin concept simulation for electric trucks, interoperable IoT concept for connected fleets, functional safety guideline for demo vehicles, and TCO assessment for baseline and NextETRUCK models.

WP4:A model of the baseline vehicle has been developed which will be used for virtual testing of various Digital Twin (DT). The generic version of the DT is in development. A revision of the Interfacing matrix is in progress which would finalize the communication requirement for vehicle-to-cloud and give the interdependency of different DTs on each other. A vehicle model simplification for multi-level control strategy is in progress. A physical model for fleet management has been developed and an initial version of the fleet decarbonization tool has been completed.

WP5:An excel file template has been created where all OEMs have to specify the NextETruck modifications related to the baseline. The interface matrix between DTs and the DTs and the vehicle is being defined. This task should be done together between the sub-task leaders and the OEMs SW engineers. CAN bus variables overwriting possibilities are being analyzed or creating new variables. Related to the component prototyping and model calibration task (T5.1.2) WP4 tasks input is required, such as DT developments and integration in AVL suite tool.

WP6:In 6.1 optimization algorithm for output power, power losses and module costs; Main characteristics for a MCS chargers.
In 6.4 the system setup, concept on the optimization; input + output to Logistics Planner; calculation of the plans, planning algorithm.
In 6.5 the division of work in two separate tools; Scoping of the En Route Charging Tool; Researching data sets; Scoping of the Depot Infrastructure Strategy Model; Meetings, defining scope of work.

WP7:This WP is planning, preparing and operating the demonstration phase, including the collection of all data necessary to compute the KPIs for the evaluation (WP8). First the demonstration plan & processes were developed including a revision of the three Use Cases described in D2.1. Each OEM had to ensure that their prototype vehicle will be authorised to operate their Use Case and mission on their demo site. TEVVA identified that no authorisation could be obtained for operating their eTruck in The Netherlands, so they shifted their demo site to UK which still is in its definition, leading to a delayed delivery of D7.1.

WP8: T8.1 outlined a structured internal plan for validating and assessing the impact of technical developments in NextETRUCK. Research Hypotheses and KPIs play a crucial role, focusing on range, energy efficiency, charging infrastructure, payload capacity, performance, total cost of ownership, and environmental impact. Additionally, an overall impact assessment considers the integrated nature of technical advancements, evaluating their collective effectiveness in the e-truck upscale, economic viability, and environmental impact.
WP1:No IPRs were identified at this stage of the project.

WP2: proposes a generic digital twin setup, which enables all partners to deliver sub-system models and virtual control units for a common digital twin. The digital twin consists of vehicle sub-system plant models, virtual control units, and surrounding models.

WP3:WP3 offers a holistic optimization framework for e-powertrain design and charging infrastructure, which considers different sub-systems namely new HVAC cabin system and thermal layout, SiC for MCS. Modular IoT concept and functional safety are introduced.

WP4:The vehicle digital twins are one of the key software developments coming from this project and have a direct impact on the performance KPIs. Various algorithms being developed in WP4 can benefit from relevant data sharing from the three OEMs.

WP5:This WP has direct and definitive impact in the demonstration as the calibration, validation and integration of the modifications related to the baseline (both SW and HW) are performed in this WP. WP5 has to be coordinated with the ongoing T7.1 as the planning and procedures for the demonstrator are defined in there. The final validation of the different tasks in WP5 will be completed in the demonstrator ramp-up in T7.1.

WP6:Energy tariff information as a factor in charge planning. Real vehicle demonstrator for 1MW (UCs are asking for much less power)

WP7:The demonstration plan under development ensures a harmonised testing phase and data collection across the three demo sites. This will lead to comparable results to be analysed in WP8.

WP8:The Evaluation plan encompasses all the parameters and methods necessary for conducting a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the innovative vehicle and charger demonstrators, both physical and digital. This includes assessing vehicle and mission efficiency, as well as evaluating the economic and environmental sustainability of the project outcomes.

WP9:Uptake will be fostered with enhanced cooperation related to dissemination through available AEVETO cluster challenges.
GA2 at FORD
GA2 at FORD
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