Project DIVAS aims to identify promising and innovative technological ways in order to cut off CO2 emissions (by 10%) on Diesel engines. Strong downspeeding approach is addressed, in order to overcome scientific and technological locks in air loop management (increasing air filling for low end torque). Considering results already obtained by simulation, two concepts with strong potential have been identified ; target of the project is to explore more deeply these concepts, by advanced dedicated research and experimental work on adapted engines : - compressor (mechanical clutching compressor or electric compressor) + turbocompressor : this new technological way allows high increase of air filling, with benefits in CO2 emission. We propose to study and adapt prototype engine (adaptation of air loop) with advanced control strategies in order to take maximum advantage of air path, to study current technological locks (drivability, compressor drive power...) and to confirm potential on experimental tool - variable valve actuation + turbocompressor : innovative concept of variable valve actuation is proposed in order to allow scavenging (enhancing turbocharging and air filling) without penalties well known in Diesel engines (deep valve pockets in piston). We propose to validate on experimental engine good results obtained in simulation, identifying transient behavior and explore more in details concept in par load operation : lowering fuel / air ratio, after treatment control. Coupling these two techniques will be performed at the end of the program, after identification of synergies. This project is complementary to Synergy project, that aims to perform downspeeding but with different technological ways (2-stage turbocharging, VVA for part load operation). Moreover, experimental tools share some features (combustion system, generic VVA definition on K9 multi cylinder engine), that helps to better identify benefits and drawbacks of each approach and dramatically reduces costs linked to conception and tests.

MULTI-MOBY is an ambitious proposal aiming at quickly finalizing the results of a cluster of GV and FoF EU projects addressing the development of technology for safe, efficient and affordable urban electric vehicles. A fleet of multi-passenger and multi-purpose commercial vans will be manufactured assuring: • Best-in-class safety for occupants and Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) protection as required per the M1/N1categories, • Autonomous capabilities by adopting the most on-the-road-experimented sensing and computational platforms, with the addition of low-cost scanning and night vision functionalities, • High efficiency 48V and 100V powertrains adopting the most advanced power semiconductor technologies amongst Si, SiC and GaN, • Robust battery packs based on hybrid cells with specific energy close to 200Wh/kg at pack level, • On-board charger integrating a DCxxV-DC12V converter optimized for the two voltages of interest, • A standardized low cost charging system able to operate DC charging at 48V and 100V, • Advanced Electric Electronic (EE) architecture with implemented secured procedures for remote updates and upgrades of the firmware and predictive maintenance, by applying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies, • Application of low-cost, flexible, agile and lean manufacturing through a low-investment micro-factory concept, • Competitive price positioning with respect to existing and forthcoming fully electrical urban passenger and commercial vehicles.

The UPGRADE project aims to support the transition to a high efficient, cleaner and affordable powertrain technology systems, based on Spark Ignited GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) approach, suitable for future Light Duty applications. The project also includes a deep analysis of the phenomenon of the formation of the nanoparticles in relationship to the engine design and its operating conditions and, with regard to the after-treatment solutions, the study and development of new Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) technologies. To increase the engine efficiency under Real Driving conditions, the following steps will be carried out: - address stoichiometric combustion approach on the “small” size engine and lean-burn combustion approach on the “medium” size one - study and develop the best combinations of technologies, including advanced VVA/VVT capabilities, advanced boosting system (including electrically assisted booster operations), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and thermal management systems - Explore and implement advanced fuel injection (direct) and ignition system supported by new dedicated control strategies that will be integrated in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) software. In order to demonstrate the call overall targets (15% improvement on CO2 emissions based on the WLTP cycle and compliancy with post Euro 6 RDE standards) the project will see the realization of two full demonstrator vehicles: one B-segment vehicle, equipped with the small downsized stoichiometric engine, and one D/E vehicle equipped with the medium size lean-burn engine. The vehicle will be fully calibrated and assessed by independent testing, according to on road test procedures, using the available best representative PEMS (Portable Emission Measurement System) technology and considering also PN measurement below 23 nm diameter.

The ORCA Project proposal addresses topic GV-03-2016, of the Transport Work Programme. The work proposed will, in a single coordinated project, address all the aspects of the domain 2 “For pure and plug-in hybrids, power-train system integration and optimisation through the re-use of waste heat, advanced control, downsizing of ICEs, innovative transmissions and the integration of electronic components” regarding Heavy Duty Vehicles. The activity proposed will be conducted by an 11-member consortium from 7 different European Members States representing all requested competencies in the field of powertrain optimization for Heavy Duty vehicles. The consortium comprises OEMs with IVECO-ALTRA, CRF and VOLVO (also members of EUCAR, suppliers VALEO, BOSCH, JOHNSON MATTHEY and JSR MICRO (CLEPA), leading Engineering and Technology Companies/organizations and Universities with TNO, FRAUNHOFER, and VUB (EARPA). The majority are also active members of ERTRAC and EGVIA. The overall objectives of the ORCA project are: Reduce the TCO to the same diesel vehicle TCO level, targeting over 10% system cost premium reduction compared to actual IVECO hybrid bus and VOLVO conventional truck with the same performances, same functionalities and operative cost, and also targeting up to 10% rechargeable energy storage (RES) lifetime/energy throughput improvement. Improve the hybrid powertrain efficiency up to 5% compared to actual IVECO hybrid bus and conventional truck through optimized RES selection & sizing and by improving the energy and ICE management. Reduce the fuel consumption by 40% compared to an equivalent conventional HD vehicle (bus & truck). Downsize the ICE by at least 50% compared to actual IVECO hybrid bus and VOLVO conventional truck. Improve the electric range from 10km to 30km by adding the PHEV capabilities and optimising the RES capacity. Case study assessment to replace a diesel engine by a CNG engine for future heavy-duty vehicles.

Rare Earths (RE) are crucial materials for Europe's successful green and digital transition, thus classified as highly critical. The market for RE magnets itself is relatively small - about €6.5 billion - however its downstream leverage is enormous: the mobility business in the EU27 alone is expected to grow to about €500 billion by 2030, with 6 million jobs. While being a world leader in the manufacturing of e.g. electric motors, the EU27 is fully import-dependent along the entire value chain of RE magnet materials. Despite a growing market, European magnet production capacity is underutilised and tends to serve specialised niche applications. In addition, RE magnets are increasingly imported as part of motors and generator assemblies and products. The main reasons for these developments are that China has a monopoly in the RE supply chain across all stages from mining to refining. To overcome this issue, REEsilience will categorise RE for geographic locations, quantities, chemical composition, ethical and sustainable indicators, ramp-up scenarios, and pricing, considering all value streams from virgin to secondary material. It will build a production system that ensures a resilient and sustainable supply chain for RE as critical raw materials for the e-mobility, renewable energy and further strategic sectors in Europe with less dependencies on non-European economies. A newly-developed software tool will determine optimum mixing ratios to ensure consistently high product quality with maximum secondary materials for high-tech applications. Combined with new and improved technologies for alloy production and powder preparation, especially of secondary materials, the yield and stability of processes will be further enhanced, allowing further augmentation of the proportion of secondary materials in RE PM production, reducing at the same time waste, environmental damage, and consumption of energy linked with virgin production.