Specific Challenge:
In the drive to improve efficiency and range of EVs, continuous research and innovation is required for the deployment of advanced light materials. In particular, significant yet affordable weight reduction is possible through the application of eco-design principles and the use of appropriate hybrid, multi-material solutions with integrated multiple functionality to guarantee that all other performance (crashworthiness, reliability, durability etc.) are maintained. Importantly for automotive applications, future developments must adopt the circular-economy principle, including innovative options for end-of-life recovery, reuse, recycling and the optimised use of recycled materials and efficient remanufacturing. The challenge is to adopt such an integrated approach in order to reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency across the entire vehicle life-cycle from design, through production and use, to recovery.
Scope:Proposals will have to address at least one of the two following technical areas:
- Lightweight materials (both metallic and reinforced plastics) for automotive applications which are economically-viable including multi-material concepts that allow cost-effective material separation, recycling and recovery, taking into account environmental impact through Life Cycle Assessment;
- Manufacturing and assembly methods and tools to guarantee structural integrity, reliability and long service life by design for lightweight materials (e.g. through understanding of failure mechanisms, of impact of ageing phenomena and the effects of manufacturing processes on a microstructure level) including their experimental and model-based characterisation;
- Methods for the adoption of the circular economy and eco-design approach from the earliest stages of vehicle development, integrating product design and sustainable manufacturing, and including the optimal use of recycled and/or bio-ressourced materials;
- Implementation of advanced methodologies for improved design capabilities via numerical simulation, virtual and physical testing and validation, for the lightweight design of different vehicle types. These methodologies will not cover batteries.
The primary focus of the activities is on light-duty electric vehicles, where weight minimisation and its impact in terms of improving vehicle efficiency and range is top priority; nevertheless proposals can investigate and exploit, where it can be demonstrated to be appropriate, the potential benefits of application to a wide range of road vehicles including heavy-duty.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 3 and 5 million would allow the specific challenge to be addressed appropriately.
Expected Impact:Clean Energy
Contractual Public-Private Partnerships (cPPPs)
EGVI