In the long haul transport sector, the reduction of real driving emissions and fuel consumption is the main societal challenge. The LONGRUN project will contribute to lower the impacts by developing different engines, drivelines and demonstrator vehicles with 10% energy saving (TtW) and related CO2, 30% lower emission exhaust (NOx, CO and others), and 50% Peak Thermal Efficiency. A second achievement will be the multiscale simulation framework to support the design and development of efficient powertrains, including hybrids for both trucks and coaches. With the proposed initiatives a leading position in hybrid powertrain technology and Internal Combustion Engine operating on renewable fuels in Europe will be guaranteed. A single solution is not enough to achieve these targets. The LONGRUN project brings together leading OEMs of trucks and coaches and their suppliers and research partners, to develop a set of innovations and applications, and to publish major roadmaps for technology and fuels in time for the revision of the CO2 emission standards for heavy duty vehicles in 2022 to support decision making with most recent and validated results and to make recommendations for future policies. The OEMs will develop 8 demonstrators (3 engines, 1 hybrid drivelines, 2 coaches and 3 trucks); within them technical sub-systems and components will be demonstrated, including electro-hybrid drives, optimised ICEs and aftertreatment systems for alternative and renewable fuels, electric motors, smart auxiliaries, on-board energy recuperation and storage devices and power electronics. This includes concepts for connected and digitalised fleet management, predictive maintenance and operation in relation to electrification where appropriate to maximise the emissions reduction potential. The 30 partners will accelerate the transition from fossil-based fuels to alternative and renewable fuels and to a strong reduction of fossil-based CO2 and air pollutant emissions in Europe

The BeBoP project will achieve an overall increase in system efficiency and durability and a reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of fuel cell systems for heavy duty applications by providing for and incorporating improvements in key balance of plant (BoP) components - air compression and humidification, and DC-DC conversion. Novel and integrated cell monitoring combined with advanced modelling will lead to overall architectural- and operational optimizations. The project brings together key component developers already actively supplying BoP components into the market (Garrett, Freudenberg and Silver Atena), with the specialist powertrain division of a heavy-duty truck manufacturer IVECO (FPT), alongside two leading European research institutes (SINTEF and DLR) with a strong records in the area of fuel cell systems development and modelling. Novel key BoP components (air compressor, humidifier and DC/DC converter) will be developed from the current status of TRL 3 to TRL 5. The prototype components will be tested to prove performance, either on a fuel cell engine (for the air compressor and DC/DC converter), or at a test bench (humidifier), and iteratively modelled and improved with real time data. Collectively, the developments will bring about a significant optimization of both BoP and system level characteristics, addressing performance, durability and cost targets. Beyond this, next generation fuel cell systems and their scalability will be explored through modelling, involving improved compressor configurations and stack operation on enriched air to further increase system efficiency and validate the applicability to other heavy-duty segments of transport. Through collaboration with its Advisory board, which comprises University of Groningen, Ballard, EKPO, IVECO, Damen, Seam, Isotta Fraschini, ZeroAvia and Lufthansa Technik, and the ScaBoP project, which is exploring the scale up of BoP components, this project will facilitate a strategic alliance and contribute to achieving the project's objectives.

The overall objective of HDGAS is to provide breakthroughs in LNG vehicle fuel systems, natural gas and dual fuel engine technologies as well as aftertreatment systems. The developed components and technologies will be integrated in up to three demonstration vehicles that are representative for long haul heavy duty vehicles in the 40 ton ranges. The demonstration vehicles will: a) comply with the Euro VI emission regulations b) meet at minimum 10% CO2 reduction compared to state of the art technology c) show a range before fueling of at least 800 km on natural gas; d) be competitive in terms of performance, engine life, cost of ownership, safety and comfort to 2013 best in class vehicles. Three HDGAS engine concepts/technology routes will be developed: - A low pressure direct injection spark ignited engine with a highly efficient EGR system, variable valve timing comprising a corona ignition system. With this engine a stoichiometric as well as a lean burn combustion approach will be developed. Target is to achieve ≥ 10% higher fuel-efficiency compared with state of the art technology - A low pressure port injected dual fuel engine, a combination of diffusive and Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (PPCI) combustion, variable lambda close loop control and active catalyst management. Target is to achieve > 10% GHG emissions reduction compared with state of the art technology at a Euro VI emission level, with peak substitution rates that are > 80%; - A high pressure gas direct injection diesel pilot ignition gas engine, that is based on a novel injector technology with a substitution rate > 90% of the diesel fuel. Target is to achieve same equivalent fuel consumption (< 215g/kWh) and 20% lower GHG emissions than the corresponding diesel engine. HDGAS will develop all key technologies up to TRL6 and TRL7 and HDGAS will also prepare a plan for a credible path to deliver the innovations to the market.

The ECOCHAMPS project addresses topic GV-4-2014, Hybrid Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles. The work will, in a single coordinated project, address all aspects of this topic and will be conducted by 26 partners representing the European automotive industry (OEMs (EUCAR), suppliers (CLEPA), ESPs and universities (EARPA)) including members of ERTRAC and EGVIA. The objective is to achieve efficient, compact, low weight, robust and cost effective hybrid powertrains for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles (buses, medium and heavy duty trucks) with increased functionality, improved performance, comfort, safety and emissions below Euro 6 or VI, all proven under real driving conditions. The five demonstrator vehicles, for this purpose developed to TRL 7, that use the hybrid powertrains will among other give a direct cost versus performance comparison at two system voltage levels in the light duty vehicles, and include the modular and standardized framework components in the heavy duty vehicles. Achieving these innovations affordably will strengthen technical leadership in powertrains, enable a leading position in hybrid technology and increases the competitiveness of European OEMs. The vehicles will be ready for market introduction between 2020 and 2022 and (price) competitive to the best in-class (full hybrid) vehicles on the market in 2013. More importantly, the technology devised will impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions and the improvement of air quality. The project proposes to reach a 20% powertrain efficiency improvement and a 20% powertrain weight and volume reduction, with a ≤10% cost premium on the base model for the demonstrator. To meet air quality targets the project will prove, via independently supervised testing, real driving emissions at least below Euro 6 or VI limits and by simulation show the potential of the passenger car technologies to reach Super Low Emission Vehicle standards.

SYS2WHEEL will provide brand-independent components and systems for integrated 3rd generation commercial battery electric vehicles (cBEVs) for CO2-free city logistics. High efficiency, performance, packaging and modularity enable efficient integration. Mass production costs of e-powertrain components and systems will be considerably reduced, while eliminating negative impact on drivability, safety and reliability. The same components and systems shall be used for different commercial vehicle categories, sub-categories and brands, in urban and inter-urban applications. The project will foster the transition to a broad range of cBEVs and will accelerate market penetration of e-powertrain components and systems. SYS2WHEEL will demonstrate its results on N1 and N2 cBEVs and assesses the related potential for the whole range of L and N category cBEVs as well as extensions to M1 and M2 passenger carriers. Essential enabling elements in SYS2WHEEL are e-motors for both, in-wheel and e-axle systems, a novel suspension for in-wheel systems, the in-wheel and e-axle systems themselves, time-sensitive networking, advanced controls, affordable and efficient processes, as well as scalability/ transferability of innovations. Specifically SYS2WHEEL will reduce costs in mass production by at least 20% through components becoming obsolete and reduction of wiring costs due to application of time-sensitive networks. The powertrain efficiency will be increased by improved e-motor windings, advanced rare-earth magnets, reduced powertrain rotating parts, reduced losses, advanced controls and weight reduction. Affordability, and user-friendliness will be addressed by enhanced modularity and packaging, automotive quality by advanced fail-operational safety and ISO 26262 compliance, modular and scalable technologies and lowered total cost of ownership. Space-saving approaches in SYS2WHEEL lead to more freedom for batteries, cargo and drivers.