Project description
Innovative design and engineering for cost-effective electric vehicles
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero emissions and are crucial for meeting climate targets. The EU-funded ZEV-UP project aims to develop cost-effective and user-friendly EVs for both passenger and goods transportation. Employing innovative design and engineering techniques, the project will customise vehicles to meet specific needs, reduce material usage, and enhance the structural properties of vehicle components. ZEV-UP will also create digital-twin models to enhance vehicle development efficiency and explore novel business and usage models such as Battery as a Service. Emphasising user-centric design informed by market research, the project seeks to accelerate the transition to sustainable urban mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the sector.
Objective
While Fully electric vehicles (EV) have zero tailpipe emissions and are seen as a key solution to meeting the European Fit-for-55 target of reducing CO2 levels in 2030 and climate-neutrality by 2050, much more can be potentially achieved if the global market uptake of innovative EVs is accelerated. The ZEV-UP project aims to address this urgent need by developing modular, cost-effective, and user-centric EVs for both passenger and goods transportation. Leveraging innovative design and engineering techniques, ZEV-UP vehicles will be tailored to meet the specific needs of users in both developed and emerging markets, ensuring high levels of user acceptance and market uptake. Key innovations include a base L7e BEV model that is designed respectful of affordability and can be upgraded and adapted for various purposes and needs, including commercial applications and higher-value passenger vehicles. By optimizing vehicle components for reduced material usage and enhanced structural properties, the project will achieve lighter vehicles with increased autonomy and minimized environmental impact. ZEV-UP will also develop digital-twin models to improve vehicle development efficiency and reduce validation costs, as well as designing charging capabilities compatible with a variety of regional power systems. Novel business and usage models, such as Battery as a Service, will be explored to maximize the benefits and impact of the L7e BEV platform. User-centric design, informed by market research and field interviews in both established and developing countries, will be a central focus of the project. Additionally, ZEV-UP will develop a proliferation model to assess policy intervention scenarios and strategize for short- and long-term BEV uptake in various markets. By delivering these key results and adhering to its objectives, ZEV-UP will accelerate the transition to sustainable urban mobility and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
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Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium