ESCALATE
Objective in brief
The main aim of the project is to develop the maturity level of innovative modular HW and data-driven SW components from TRL5/6-TRL7/8 and implement, demonstrate, and evaluate them within pilots and through DT early in the design phase.
Research / focus areas:
Heavy-duty vehicles account for about 25% of EU road transport CO2 emissions and about 6% of total EU emissions.
In line with the European 2050 goals ESCALATE aims to demonstrate high-efficiency zHDV powertrains (up to 10% increase) for long-haul applications that will provide a range of 800 km without refueling/recharging and cover at least 500 km average daily operation (6+ months) in real conditions.
ESCALATE will achieve this by following modularity and scalability approach starting from the β-level of hardware and software innovations and aiming to reach the γ-level in the first sprint and eventually the δ-level at the project end through its 2 sprint-V-cycle.
ESCALATE is built on the novel concepts around 3 main innovation areas, which are:
• Standardized well-designed, cost effective modular and scalable multi-powertrain components;
• Fast Fueling & Grid-friendly charging solutions; and
• Digital Twin (DT) & AI-based management tools considering capacity, availability, speed, and nature of the charging infrastructures as well as the fleet structures
Objectives in more detail
1. Development and demonstration of ground-breaking high-efficiency long-haul b-HDV, f-HDV and r-HDV at a minimum GVW of 40t with 800km unrefueled/uncharged range under real-world operational conditions
2. Development and demonstration of cost-effective standardized modular electric multi-powertrains in real-world conditions for a minimum 500 km daily operation under full load for 6 months
3. Development and demonstration of connected grid-friendly (multi) energy fast charging concepts and solutions
4. Seamless integration and fluid operation of Zero-emission HDV fleets both en-route (TEN-T and highway hubs) and in the storage depots/logistics hubs
5. Development of 5 Trustworthy Modular Digital Twins of demonstrator vehicles for early identification and assessment of “Innovations True Value”
6. Global Leadership for European Automotive, Logistics, and Infrastructure & Powering EU Absolute Zero Future
Project partners:
A consortium of 37 partners from 13 countries is dedicated to increasing component efficiency, developing highly standardisable, ingenious, scalable and modular eco-designed electric powertrain components and flexible platforms for battery, fuel cell and range extender trucks.
Contact:
Mikko Pihlatie mikko.pihlatie@vtt.fi
+358 400430395