Abstract

This paper gathers experiences and results from several demonstration projects in the field of grid integration of electric vehicles. The analyzed research projects are selected among research institutes and universities that are part of the European Energy Research Alliance Joint Program on Smart Grids. The paper provides an overview of recent trends in the field of electric vehicles integration issues and then dives deeper into specific aspects of each project. Twelve research projects are presented in general terms, while detailed information can be retrieved from the references and the websites. Although each project has its focus, a common element that can be devised is that the charging process can be technically controlled based on different interests and algorithms, but its role in the market is still under development. Particular focus is always given to the behavior of the user, which ultimately determines the possible level of flexibility that the electric vehicle can provide to the grid.

Abstract

The study aimed to systematically determine key human issues related to automated driving by utilising selected theoretical approaches applied in road traffic and work environments. The aim was also to compare the descriptive power of theoretical approaches to automated driving. Three approaches were applied to partial and high automation scenarios: (1) motivational theories, (2) model for the human as an information processor, and (3) core-task analysis. A descriptive analysis using the terms of theoretical approaches was conducted for automated driving in the contexts of urban and highway driving. In all, the qualitative data provided encompassed 13 subtasks of a trip made by car (e.g. choosing the route, entering a highway, driving in an urban intersection) in several contextual circumstances (traffic situation, environment, weather etc.). The study resulted in a list of 20 human issues related to automated driving. The issues were categorised in four groups highlighting the common aspects identified. These were: strategic decisions related to personal mobility; road safety; the role of information in automated driving; and communication and interaction in traffic. Each theoretical approach appeared useful in defining the issues, and the views were found to complement each other. Increasing automation in road transport calls for reforming the theoretical background and developing new models. The core-task analysis, not earlier applied in road transport, emerged as a promising model and is suggested to be applied in more detailed analysis of automated driving, specifically regarding information and communication aspects.

Abstract

The report gives an extensive overview of the results of the project entity Electric Commercial Vehicles (ECV) that was active 2012–2016 under EVE programme of the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes). Contributions to this final report have been made as articles written by several project participants. All the key themes of the project are covered: battery technologies and their applications, electric powertrains and electric vehicles, city buses, non-road mobile machinery, electric commercial vehicle systems and charging, as well as electric vehicles in connection with power grid. Several businesses and products have been launched during the project's span, and continue to emerge and develop in this dynamically progressing field.

Abstract

This paper is based on a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) project, Mobility as a Service for Linking Europe"br" (MAASiFiE), conducted for the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR). MaaS is an emerging"br" concept aiming to offer user-oriented, multimodal transport services on a one-stop-shop principle utilizing"br" digitalization and mobile applications. This paper presents the main result of the project: the European MaaS"br" Roadmap 2025 defining short- (1-3 years) and medium-term (4-9 years) actions and transitions needed to reach"br" the vision formed in the project. The Roadmap is divided into four functional perspectives: drivers, markets, MaaS"br" services and enablers. Furthermore, each perspective presents the results using the following classification:"br" Academy and R&D, Business, Infrastructure & built environment, Policy & regulation, Technology & data, and"br" Social & culture. This paper concentrates on Policy & regulation aspects, as well as on the role of National Road"br" Administrations (NRAs) in MaaS development.

Abstract

NordicWay has implemented a cooperative safety-related traffic information system based on hybrid"br" communication using a mainly cellular network. In this paper, we present NordicWay’s Finnish Coop project"br" evaluation results on driver behaviour impacts and user acceptance of the system. The evaluation was based on a"br" field test involving more than a thousand test users from May 2016 to April 2017. The results showed the high"br" acceptance by the users. The system was the first source of information in many occasions and the implications it"br" had on driver behaviour were positive (increased attention, speed reduction, less overtaking, etc.). As a main"br" conclusion, the results indicate that a cooperative safety-related traffic information system in mobile phones has"br" positive impacts on driver behaviour. The results also show that road users would be willing to use this kind of"br" system. Almost all users who had longer experience with the system would have been willing to continue using"br" the application.

Abstract

When a human ages, the functional abilities could weaken, which can lead to isolation from the society. Applying technological aid for improving the quality of life of the elderly helps them to stay independent and active in their community across their life. This article introduces a system, which is empowering the elderly by aiding them in using public transportation in both rural and urban environments, and helps them in this way to maintain the mobility and activity. The ASSISTANT system provides a simple, yet effective, route info for user and shows only relevant information, at the right time and in the appropriate format. The system is communicating with the user via audio and visual guidance. In addition, it has an error detection functionality, which helps user in case of common navigation errors. End user evaluation performed in Helsinki (Finland), Vienna (Austria) and Donostia-San Sebastian area (Spain) confirms that the service works as intended and helps older people to use public transport by guiding them all the way from the start to the end of their journeys. The system was found to be particularly helpful on unfamiliar routes.

Abstract

Members of the Trilateral Working Group on Automation in Road Transportation (ART WG) have been working"br" to address the complexity of impacts caused by automated driving. They are setting up a high-level impact"br" assessment framework to coordinate the impact assessments performed in the field of automated driving. The"br" paper presents this framework. It gives recommendations for classifying automation implementations and"br" determining impact areas to be assessed. It also presents the impact mechanisms through which automated driving"br" is expected to impact our life, covering both direct and indirect impacts. In addition, recommendations are provided"br" for experimental procedure, simulation approach and data sharing.

Abstract

This article aims to outline the key results of testing and encountered challenges of various LiDARs, radar and stereo camera in arctic weather conditions. The test session was conducted in two different urban areas in Finland in the middle of January 2019. The arctic conditions turned out to be challenging for the sensors dedicated more to areas where temperature stays relatively warm. The aim of this one-week test session was to assess performance deterioration when powdered snow, salted road, snowy ground and sun light influence reliability of the future automated driving functions. This study focuses mainly on the issues with hardware that are basic building blocks for the situation awareness software modules. Furthermore, the countermeasures such as protecting sensors and mounting positions have been proposed.The test results indicate that some sensors significantly lose performance when temperature drops to less than -10 degrees centigrade. The problem is not merely mechanical freezing of the spinning LiDAR components but properties of laser illumination may change due to temperature variation, too. Since LiDAR is an optical device, they also suffer when there is turbulent snow in front of the sensor. The turbulence looks like a noise and partially blocks the laser echoes from surrounding environment. The performance, measured by laser pulse echo count, can with some sensors drop more than 50 percent. This seriously diminishes the sensing range and furthermore, makes pattern recognition unreliable. The two other sensor types which were taken into account are stereo vision and radar. They have a role in automated driving to compensate performance degradation of LiDARs due to arctic conditions.