By 2050, an expected 67% of the population will live in urban areas [Towards a more urban world (2015)]. As cities grow, so too does the demand for specialised vehicle designs and architectures that could meet evolving mobility needs of different users in urban and suburban scenarios. The design principles of flexibility and modularity bring an opportunity to ensure urban-readiness of nextgen of urban electric vehicles in European cities, to be properly integrated into the local transport networks, in alignment with the SUMPs (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans) defined by the authorities.

The European Commission proactively funding urban-readiness and urban mobility

Aiming to address this challenge, last year the European Commission launched their H2020 call to trigger R&D initiatives on next generation electrified vehicles for urban and suburban use (LC-GV08-2020). The call ensured coverage of a broader range of mobility needs, including 3 different application domains: personal mobility (e.g. monowheels, electric scooters, hoverboards), multipassenger vehicles (owned or shared, up to M1 category), and commercial vehicles (up to N1 category). Our URBANIZED project falls into the latter category, working to future proof cities with sustainable last-mile delivery by solving the trade-offs between “one size fits all” and “design for purpose” in the development of flexible and modular all-electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs).

Out of 28 proposals received, the EC ultimately selected a total of 5 projects among the 3 domains, accounting for a total budget of over €26.64M (over €20.68M in funding requested). The four other projects funded under this same call are set to make great strides in the field of urban mobility.

Meet the projects driving electric vehicle innovation

DREEM (Designing useR centric E-kickscooters & business models for Enhancing interModality)
Coordinated by Punch Torino SPA
Goal: finalise and test a safer and modular electric kick scooter (e-KS) for personal urban and suburban mobility

LEONARDO (MicrovehicLE fOr staNd-Alone and shaReD mObility)
Coordinated by Universita Degli Studi di Firenze
Goal: develop a new microvehicle based on the smart fusion of monowheel and scooter concepts

Multi-Moby (Safe, Secure, High Performing Multi-Passanger and Multi-Commercial Uses Affordable EVs)
Coordinated by Infineon Technologies Austria AG
Goal: build a fleet of multi-passenger and multi-purpose commercial vans, addressing the development of technology for safe, efficient, and affordable urban electric vehicles.

REFLECTIVE (Reconfigurable Light Electric Vehicle)
Coordinated by Teknologian Tutkimuskes Kus VTT OY
Goal: develop and demonstrate an innovative, modular vehicle concept fit for urban needs: zero emission, compact, safe, and rightsized for the mission.

Collaboration between the 5 initiatives

From the URBANIZED consortium, we have started a proactive dialogue with the other 4 projects to define a liaison body that allows for open and regular communication across all 5 initiatives. The aim is to facilitate exchange of insights that all 5 consortia can build upon, and strengthen networking between all partners, so relevant synergies can be identified leading to new potential collaborations.

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