Electric two-wheelers and new ultra-light vehicle concepts

Specific challenge: Europe has to face tough challenges in the field of air quality, noise and environmental protection, traffic congestion, competiveness and jobs preservation. This calls for new and more efficient mobility concepts. L category vehicles are well placed to answer the demands for less energy consumption and affordability. They represent an attractive solution in congested cities with scarce parking space. The challenge is to develop a new generation of electrified powertrains for L category vehicles that are quiet, clean, energy efficient and safe and to investigate radically new light vehicle concepts for personal mobility in urban areas.

Scope: Proposals should focus on energy efficiency improvements for a wide range of vehicle types (from mopeds to quads and light quadricycles). Research will address cost efficiency, integration and modularity of battery packs, electric and plug-in hybrid power trains, system integration and innovative vehicle architecture. The scope also includes the development and proof of concept of new ultra-light vehicles for passengers taking into account their integration with infrastructure and, where appropriate, considering any necessary changes to homologation requirements and regulations to allow their use. The project results will be validated through demonstrators.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 5 to 8 million each would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact: The research will contribute to a significantly reduction  of emissions (real driving emissions below Euro 5 level should be demonstrated for hybrids) and noise, congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The research will also enhance the competitive position of the European industry. Research in this area will also support the implementation of the Clean Power for Transport strategy by developing the next generation of alternatively powered light urban e-vehicles.

Type of action: Research and Innovation Actions