Abstract

The ECOCHAMPS project addresses the topic GV-04-2014 Hybrid Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles under the Horizon2020 programme (GA #653468) and is realized by a 26-member consortium. The overall objectives are to achieve efficient, compact, lightweight, robust and cost effective hybrid powertrains for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, with increased functionality, improved performance, comfort and emissions levels below Euro 6/VI. In particular, an expected impact of 20% powertrain efficiency improvements and weight plus volume reductions with respect to the best-in-class vehicles on the market in the reference year 2013 is set, whilst having a maximum 10% cost premium. This paper presents the targets and the tracking of the developments of the OEMs and the approach for the final evaluation of the five demonstrator vehicles built by Q1-2018. Moreover the paper also looks towards the development of current and future CO2 declaration methods for hybrid heavy duty commercial vehicles, supporting the deployment of next generation propulsion technologies for decarbonising freight transport.

Abstract

This contribution is based on results obtained in the collaboration project “TRANSFORMERS”, which has received funding from the European Commission in the FP7-programme. The project has the objective to reduce CO2 emissions per tonne·km by up to 25%, by improved reconfigurable aerodynamic measures, by innovative loading efficiency measures and by a hybrid-on-demand driveline for truck-semitrailer combinations. Besides giving insight to the overall project, this publication focusses on the trailer mounted hybrid-on-demand (HoD) driveline. This electric driveline is combined with a conventionally propelled tractor unit, effectively hybridizing the combination with minimal changes to the tractor. The objective is to save fuel both in long haulage applications and urban dense traffic scenarios. Test results obtained in both test track and public road testing show that an actual fuel saving of up to 12% can be achieved.

Abstract

Proceedings of 7th Transport Research Arena TRA 2018, VIENNE, AUTRICHE, 16-/04/2018 - 19/04/2019; This contribution is based on the European collaborative project TRANSFORMERS (Configurable and adaptable trucks and trailers for optimal transport), which received co-funding from the European Commission. The project has the goal of reducing energy use per tonne.kilometre of goods transported by up to 25%. This is achieved by innovations including: i) Configurable whole vehicle aerodynamics, ii) Improved loading efficiency measures, iii) A distributed, trailer mounted electric driveline known as 'hybrid-on-demand' for truck-semitrailer combinations. The combination of innovations gives the possibility of a semi-trailer combination which can be adapted or re-configured to suit individual transport missions. The paper focuses on providing background to the project, an overview of the innovations developed within the project, and the main conclusions that were drawn from the wide range of work undertaken within the project. It covers both the 'Energy Efficiency' and the 'Load Optimisation' trailers which were developed and tested within the project. Document type: Conference object