Solar Aided Vehicle Electrification

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Transport accounts for about 63% of oil consumption and 29% of CO2 emissions. More efficient, multimodal and environmentally-safer transport is a widely-sought goal. The EU aims to achieve a 95 g CO2/km cap in emissions from transport by 2020 with further restrictions foreseen thereafter (68-78 g CO2/km by 2025). The Air Quality Directive of 2008 has also limited nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions and most major European countries desire a higher degree of energy independence and a shift towards a less oil-intensive transport. Data shows a gradual increase in the number of electric vehicles in the EU, driven by consumer choice and an automotive industry in transition.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE SAVE project will further develop a prototype technology called HySolarKit produced by a Horizon 2020 SME instrument project. The aim is to produce a market-ready version of this technology. HySolarKit is an add-on kit that converts vehicles with an internal combustion engine into a hybrid solar vehicles, so reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Flexible solar panels mounted on the car also recharge the vehicle’s battery. The Hybrid Electric Retrofit System (HERS) includes two electric motors in the wheels of the rear axle, solar panels, and an electronic interface to connect to the battery and the vehicle’s control systems.

Specific project aims include:

Enabling the kit to effectively convert passenger cars into hybrid or light electric vehicles;

Enhancing replicability by increasing market insight in specific countries, assessing regulatory constraints and users’ willingness to pay, and conducting cost analysis for up-scaling, transferability analysis through patents, and technology intelligence to find extra-sectoral uses; and

Assembling four high-level prototypes and setting a performance and environmental demonstration schedule in Europe, with a particular focus on Malta.

Expected results:

Advance HySolarKit technology and promote it around Europe;

Achieve a target commercial price of €3 000-3 500 per kit for a vehicle with an average yearly mileage. This equates to a payback period of 3-4 years for consumers;

Reduction of fuel consumption by up to 25% in retrofitted hybrid electric vehicles;

Reduction of up to 12% in recharging time for retrofitted hybrid electric vehicles;

Four high-level prototypes to be built and tested in Malta;

Improved system integration through an upgraded power electronics system for 45V battery architectures;

Development of five complete kits: two kits will be mounted onto commercial passenger cars and two onto light electric vehicles. One kit will be used to upgrade a demonstrator owned by eProlnn;

A 23% decrease in the time needed to go from 0 to 100 km/h and improved adherence on the front wheels through the integration of the wheel motors, which turns the vehicle into a 4x4 drive;

Creation of a business plan and organisational structure for a commercial joint venture between the project partners. This new company will be operational within 6-12 months of the end of the project;

Commercial and licencing agreements with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and after-market representatives through Landi Renzo and Solbian networks, with at least 1 300 distribution points in the EU, and the engagement of at least one car fleet owner; and

At least two agreements in Malta with public or private transport companies and insurance firms through a dedicated framework contract.