The call is asking for a modular
and flexible powertrain approach for large heavy-duty trucks which can
serve varying mission demands (range, power and re-charging/-fuelling
requirements) by varying battery/tank sizes to serve different missions
and driving profiles within one vehicle platform.
Flexible
vehicle platforms can allow the installation of modular powertrain
solutions including either pure BEV/FCEV versions or hydrogen FC range
extended battery vehicles, exploiting the scalability and modularity of
the installed power units to allow cost efficient solutions for
dedicated missions.
At least
two different prototypes need to be demonstrated covering two different
missions under operational conditions: one of which is mandatorily for
long haul freight transport, as defined in expected outcomes, while the
additional prototype(s) is/are open to Vehicle Group 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 or
12 of VECTO capable of operating at maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW)
of minimum 40 tons under operational conditions comparable to the VECTO
regional mission profile, and/or long distance coach(es).
Applicants
should go beyond activities carried out by actions funded under topic
HORIZON-CL5-2021-DEST5-CCT-01-01, avoiding duplication of activities
already performed under this topic, as well as of activities developed
by ongoing Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking projects140.
Proposals are expected to address the following:
- Efficient
energy/thermal management including the HVAC system and during
ultra-fast charging both while driving and during breaks (including
auxiliaries like overnight hotel and, optionally, refrigeration loads)
achieving a minimum 44% energy efficiency in FC “charge sustaining mode”
or 82% for BEV configurations (both at “tank-to-wheel” on the VECTO
Regional Distribution and Long Haul cycles as appropriate).
- For
FC applications, the scalable power level of a hydrogen-based power
unit for full power operation or range extension to vary power and range
demands of different mission profiles is expected to demonstrate at
least 90% availability and 30.000 hr FC operational life for safe and
efficient operations, including scale-up options; (FC and tank
development are excluded from this topic; suitable engagement with FCH
projects needs to be foreseen).
- For
BEV long haul applications, demonstration of fast charging concepts,
capable of fitting established regulations and business practices, with a
range recovery of at least 400 km in 45 min, with an overall charge
efficiency of at least 80%. The proposed solutions are expected to not
reduce transport productivity (i.e. km per day, including driver resting
time) and should be deployable at load/unload points and staging areas,
while ensuring grid compatibility.
- Demonstration of a delivery load capacity not less than 90% of a current such vehicle.
- Improvement
of inverter and DC/DC technologies integration in regard to optimized
and novel cooling concepts and cost reduction, considering where
appropriate synergies with HORIZON-CL5-2021-DEST5-CCT-01-02.
- Improvement
of specific central, high power electric motors or modular in-wheel
motor concepts, considering where appropriate synergies with
HORIZON-CL5-2022-DEST5-CCT-01-02.
- Achievement of cost benefits by optimization of the control architecture.
- Predictive
maintenance strategies considering AI technologies, including
deployment of prognostic and diagnostic techniques and control units in
order to improve the lifetime of the fuel cells systems.
- Show
the minimum achievable impact on environment (GHG, polluting emissions,
biodiversity, resources etc.) using a comparative life-cycle
assessment.
- Projects should
deliver digital twin models of the demonstrator vehicles, such that the
impact of the innovations towards the overall objectives of the 2Zero
partnership might be determined prior to the completion of the project.
Data that is produced as output from a ‘digital twin’ should be FAIR,
deposition in relevant repositories should be encouraged141.
- Price
reduction resulting from economies of scale due to modularity and
standardization of components in other truck, bus/coach (and where
possible railway) applications (also creating links with on-going
projects in the FCH partnership) with a clear roadmap for how to
increase production numbers after the end of the project and for
developing the necessary value chains. System level cost-effectiveness
of solutions (including needed infrastructure) need to be analysed.
- Develop
and validate tools for zero tailpipe emission vehicles integration in
fleets (and mixed fleets) for efficient assignment of tasks (routes,
charging strategies, assignments etc.).
- Identify
European cross-border corridors with lower barriers or higher benefits
to start market operations, along with possible future initiatives
within the Connecting Europe Facility context.
This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnerships on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO).
140 https://www.fch.europa.eu/page/fch-ju-projects
