Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ZEFES (Zero Emission flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-01-01 al 2024-06-30
Long-haul BEVs and FCEVs need to become more affordable and reliable, more energy efficient, with a longer range per single charge, and a reduced charging time to meet the user’s needs. Next to those, there is a real need to take zero- emission long-haul goods transport in Europe to the next level by executing real-world demonstrations of BEVs and FCEVs spread all over Europe; this also requires that technology soon can deliver on promised benefits (easy handling, similar driving hours & charging/fueling, and high speeds, and ability to operate in complex transport supply chains); flexible and abundant charging points for the rising number of vehicles must be implemented fast and to support this, novel charging concepts are needed. In addition, as multiple needs in the logistics chain exist, require novel tools for fleet managers providing them with better information on ZEV in logistic operation, providing a twin of the real use thereby giving valuable information regarding predictive maintenance, eco-driving etc., providing information on better logistics planning, the (available) charging and refuelling along the route, access to roads and traffic information.
ZEFES major outcomes: Executing of real-world demonstrations of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs across Europe to take zero-emission long-haul goods transport in Europe to the next level. Pathway for long-haul BEVs and FCEVs to become more affordable and reliable, more energy efficient, with a longer range per single charge and reduced charging times able to meet the user’s needs. Technologies which can deliver promised benefits (easy handling, similar driving hours & charging/fueling, high speeds and ability to operate in complex transport supply chains). Mapping of flexible and abundant charging/fueling points and novel charging concepts. Novel tools for fleet management to support the rising number of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs vehicles in the logistics supply chains.
ZEFES major outcomes: Executing of real-world demonstrations of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs across Europe to take zero-emission long-haul goods transport in Europe to the next level. Pathway for long-haul BEVs and FCEVs to become more affordable and reliable, more energy efficient, with a longer range per single charge and reduced charging times able to meet the user’s needs. Technologies which can deliver promised benefits (easy handling, similar driving hours & charging/fueling, high speeds and ability to operate in complex transport supply chains). Mapping of flexible and abundant charging/fueling points and novel charging concepts. Novel tools for fleet management to support the rising number of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs vehicles in the logistics supply chains.
Extensive work has been done on the use case menu card, as it still has a preliminary status due to many internal and external dependencies not in hands of control within the project environment. 4 initiatives have started to counter these dependencies, being a Working group energy infrastructure (ALI/VUB), a Working group road permits (IDI/CEDR), a Working group orchestration (PTV/VUB), and a Working group data and vehicles (VUB/TNO/RIC). A template is developed by FHG and AVL to define the optimized multi powertrain for not only the ZEFES demonstrators but also to collect data used within the simulation tool. Three tools have been developed and are available for the consortium members, the Multi-architecture Simulation Platform and the Total Cost of Ownership tool. A co-design optimization tool has been developed for internal use. A control interface between tractor and e-trailer has been developed, being Interoperable between OEMs and Compatible with existing interfaces. The ZEFES project is proud to be able to demonstrate Q4 2024 an integrated operation of distributed partners’ individual tools/functions/simulation assets under a connected digital framework, with real-world asset data collection, and implemented with customisable ‘lock-and-key’ user access control. Extensive discussions and workshops have resulted in a workable exchange of data between competitive partners beyond the project. Achievements made are the specification of the (BEV) powertrains and planning of vehicle production and commissioning, the decision of cancelling the b-trailer concept and replacing it by a 2nd e-trailer. The e-trailer is seen as an important vehicle unit in extending the vehicle range, optimising the vehicle road behaviour (safety) and zero emission body functions (e.g. reefer). The BE trucks and tractors production will be as late as possible in alignment with time plan for demos. As main innovation outputs, 6 BE trucks/tractors, 2 e-trailers, e-dolly are specified and in production. The precise design verification and close to real-world performance evaluation of the FCEV demonstrators has been done. For each demonstrator (1 VOL-FCEV, 1 SCA-FCEV, 1 FRD-FCEV) one or more use-cases are simulated to prove feasibility of the demonstration. The ramp up phase of time planning of commissioning of the vehicles have been done. Preparation of the demonstrations is on track. The 4 initiatives result in creation of valuable collaboration with stakeholders on road permits and energy infrastructure. The project is facing serious challenges regarding railroad, road permits in line with the revised W&D directive. In addition DSOs and CPOs show lack of awareness and willingness to collaborate, missing a strategy for powerlines and connections to cooperate in the transition process towards zero emission (freight) transport. It was decided is to reach out to high level decision makers hopefully willing to use their political influence getting charging- and hrs location ready on time. The description of the assessment framework and agreements on data gathering from the baseline/reference tests is done. The specified requirements & KPI are defined as well as the Mapped Innovations on Use Cases. The collection of reference data has started.The stakeholders’ interest in the project is very high and growing every day. A worldwide interest shows the importance of this project and the engagement of stakeholder sharing the same concerns, needs & requirements and willingness to bring ZE HDV on the road. The ZEFES Stakeholders’ Group counts already 47 members. 1 successful Symposium has been organised by IDIADA (Santa Oliva Oct 2023) and the 2nd one will take place at VOLVO (Gothenborg Oct 2024). The 2nd achievement is the coordination of the AEVETO cluster. Agreements have been made on physical meetings on technical topics, e.g. TCO & LCA, Digital Twinning, Charging, and participation in the ZEFES Symposium in Gothenburg, 22/23 Oct 2024. During the 3rd phase of the ZEFES project, the creation of a “white paper” on 2ZERO Partnership and barriers will be a joint effort.
The tools out of WP2 and WP4 can be seen as beyond state of the art. The Multi-architecture Simulation Platform and the Total Cost of Ownership tool (WP2) and the Digital Twin & Fleet Management Tools (WP4) can help OEMs to optimize the vehicle concepts being durable, affordable, and efficient and End Users to implementation ZE-HDV into fleets beyond the project and in time to achieve the European targets on reducing CO2 emissions in freight transport of 45% by 2030.
The 3rd beyond state of the art will be the e-trailer concept as developed within ZEFES improving range, energy management, road behaviour and vehicle / body function being zero emission as well.
The 3rd beyond state of the art will be the e-trailer concept as developed within ZEFES improving range, energy management, road behaviour and vehicle / body function being zero emission as well.