Modular approach to ensure cheaper e-vehicles
The electrification of the powertrain has led to the development of light electric two-, three- and four-wheel vehicles. Though they are much smaller and less complex than conventional gas-guzzlers, they are rather expensive, because the latter are manufactured in 10 to 100 times higher quantities. The low production volume however makes it impossible to achieve competitive prices for the environmentally friendly electric vehicles.
The EU-LIVE research partners are now developing a comprehensive European solution for the next generation of cost and energy efficient light vehicles for urban individual mobility. In what it is claimed an industry first in this market segment the partners plan to develop and establish a consistent modular approach that embraces fully and partially electrified powertrains – including wheel hub motors as well as body elements for a wide range of application scenarios and user groups. The modular approach makes it possible to significantly reduce manufacturing costs and, as a consequence, making these vehicles much more attractive for potential buyers.
The project goal is defined as development and application of a systemic user-centred European approach for conception, design and production of a broad spectrum of L-class vehicles. The modular platform includes a multitude of powertrains, body implementations and further components for this class of vehicles as well as the integrated co-simulation of the overall system. At the highest possible extend, the platform will utilise standard interfaces established in the automotive market. The open concept increases the flexibility and facilitates reuse and exchange of components and systems for the electrical drivetrain across a wide range of L-class vehicles. Whether rather conventional designs of radically new vehicle concepts, the modular platform is intended to provide the basis for silent, energy efficient and safe individual urban mobility, the project consortium said in a statement.
The project has a budget of €6.7 million and is coordinated by the Virtual Vehicle Research Centre in Graz (Austria). It bundles the expertise of 12 partners from six European countries, including PSA Peugeot Citroen and Peugeot Scooters from France, automotive supplier Continental (Germany), Samsung Battery Systems (Austria), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (Germany) Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa from Spain, Italian brake expert Brembo Spa as well as a number of further companies and institutions.
Further information: www.eu-live.eu
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