Abstract

This paper summarises the lessons learned from using electric freight vehicles (EFVs) for urban freight transport in three dimensions. First we look at the technical and operational suitability of using EFVs, including energy efficiency, range and its seasonal variations, and charging and local grid capacity issues. Then we examine all the elements which affect the business case from a carrier’s perspective, including changes of business model by the size of the vehicle, changes in value network and the elements required to enable a transition towards a wider-scale electrification. Finally, we present the environmental impacts from running EFVs at three levels, including direct impact analysis from the project demonstration activities, impact analysis at a wider uptake level by using traffic models and impact monetisation. Data used for this analysis is collected under the European FP7 project FREVUE, where around 80 electric-powered vehicles were deployed in the cities of Amsterdam, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Oslo, Rotterdam, and Stockholm.

Abstract

Due to an increase in environmental awareness and an improved understanding on the impact of human activity on our planet’s climate, there is a strong desire both from governments and the general public to reduce harmful pollution and emissions. This requires action on different fronts, like decarbonizing electricity generation, industrial activity and not least the transport sector. This thesis aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable road transport system. There are several technologies that could achieve this goal, but the scope of this work is limited to automotive electrification in the form of hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Such vehicles currently seem to be the most promising technology, having a larger market share than e.g fuel cell electric vehicles. In order to increase the pace of automotive electrification it is necessary to understand the factors that are currently hindering its adoption. First, the higher cost of electrified vehicles when compared with their conventional counterpart is seen by most potential buyers as their main drawback, despite lower operating and maintenance costs. Second, their limited range and long recharging times cause range anxiety on the drivers and generate concerns over the capabilities of the vehicles to provide the expected service and level of convenience. Finally, the lack of charging infrastructure poses a challenge for potential users.In order to develop an understanding on how to address these issues, the present work takes a holistic approach that starts with the development of performance and cost models for the main components required in an electromobility system. These models are used to optimize the design of an electric powertrain for passenger vehicles. Three electrical machine topologies and two powertrain concepts are considered in this optimization. The results point out that significant cost benefits can be obtained from an increase in the top speed of the electric traction machine as well as the addition of a second speed to the transmission. Additionally, the developed methodology allows exploring a large space of search in a way that reduces development times and associated costs.Moving the focus to a higher level of abstraction, the described models are used to analyze the implications of deploying alternative forms of charging infrastructures in a national context. This analysis shows that a large deployment of a dynamic charging infrastructure accessible by both passenger and commercial vehicles significantly reduces the societal cost of electrification. This is due to the possibility of reducing the required battery capacity on-board the vehicles without affecting their driving range.

Abstract

The ECOCHAMPS project has addressed the topic GV-04-2014 Hybrid Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles of the Green Vehicles work programme under Horizon 2020. This project realized, in a single, coordinated action, all the aspects of this call through the activities of a twenty-six member consortium representing the European Automotive Industry. At the time of the TRA in Vienna, the ECOCHAMPS project will just have been completed after three years of activity."br" This paper will focus on the integrated components developed in the ECOCHAMPS project in a TRL 7 heavy duty vehicle as part of Work Package 7 lead by DAF, proving a significant CO2 reduction with a cost-effective driveline. For this purpose, an integral modular approach has been used to combine waste heat recovery and the hybrid system. The aim has been to achieve an increased combined fuel consumption reduction by utilizing synergy advantages. These advantages occur when the systems are connected through a common high voltage bus combined with an energy storage device, in this case a 400V DC bus and a hybrid battery. It is targeted to achieve a cost-effective powertrain efficiency improvement of 20% by using standardized, modular hybrid components.

Abstract

The ECOCHAMPS project has addressed the topic GV-04-2014 Hybrid Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles of the"br" Green Vehicles work program under Horizon 2020. This project realized, in a single, coordinated action, all the"br" aspects of this call through the activities of a twenty-five member consortium representing of the European"br" Automotive Industry. The overall objectives of the ECCHAMPS project are to achieve efficient, compact, low"br" weight, robust and cost effective hybrid powertrains for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, with"br" increased functionality, improved performance, comfort, safety and emissions levels below Euro 6 or VI. In"br" particular, to achieve 20% powertrain efficiency improvements and weight plus volume reductions with respect to"br" the best in class vehicles on the market at the time of proposal (2013), whilst having a maximum of a 10% cost"br" premium. At the time of the TRA in Vienna, the ECOCHAMPS project will just have been completed after three"br" years of activity."br" In Work Package 4 of the ECOCHAMPS project a 48V hybrid passenger car demonstrator is being developed. In"br" this vehicle, the powertrain is fitted with an electrical machine directly coupled to a double clutch transmission"br" (DCT). As such, the powertrain configuration gives the possibility to achieve hybrid vehicle functionality, e.g."br" regenerative braking, acceleration assistance and limited EV operations, whilst not detracting from the vehicle"br" packaging and being a lower cost solution appropriate for rapid market uptake. Initially the powertrain has been"br" developed with a state of the art electrical machine, rated at up to 15kW when running at 48V. However, an"br" advanced electrical machine and power electronics have been developed, which demonstrate up to a 25 kW rating"br" within the same practical package."br" Results from the overall development and testing of the demonstrator vehicle and advanced electrical system will"br" be presented in this paper. It will be seen that such a hybrid powertrain configuration offers an appropriate step for"br" cost effective improved vehicle efficiency when compared to vehicles currently available. As a consequential"br" impact of the ECOCHAMPS project, the uptake of hybrid vehicle technology in the European passenger car market"br" is expected to be increased.