Last update: 1998-04-24 . |
Benefits of the PartnershipThe partnership is highly complementary through its multi-disciplinarity.This partnership provides a strong synergy between the partners. which would not be able to establish an equally competent consortium within their own countries. Complementarity and synergy
Strategic Importance for EuropeThe development of electric vehicle technology is one of the foremost research fields of the decade. The growing concern for the environment. particularly in urban areas. will lead to a large scale introduction of emission-free vehicles and of the related infrastructure.At this moment. Europe takes a leading position in the technological development of electric vehicles. This applies to the different relevant technological domains (energy storage. power electronics. vehicle technology. infrastructure). To secure this position and to maintain the competitive position of European industry in the field. it is of paramount importance that research work in these areas is continued. particularly in the field of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Economic OpportunitiesIt is expected that the commercial equipment for series built vehicles will become available one year after the end of the project. The material developed will have an impact on transportation systems throughout Europe. It will also find a direct application on material handling equipment and other industrial mobile equipment. This should permit a viable market to develop outside of the electric vehicle, thus ensuring that the products reach maturity and have a positive impac on the elctric vehicle market.Public Transport ApplicationsFor public transportation systems. the application field is self-service individual transport sytems. To ensure coherent transport systems in major European cities (over 1.000.000 inhabitants). between 2000 and 20000 of such systems will be required.Road Vehicle ApplicationsFor road vehicle applications, an inductive charging system, which could be built into the infrastructure of the cities, would be of greatest importance for the customers. As the investment costs for an electric vehicle are - at present - much higher than for a conventional internal-combustion engined vehicle, it is very important that the capital-intensive equipment can be used as much as possible. When charging is possible even at short stops, it could considerably enlarge the daily range of the vehicles. That makes the use of the electric vehicle more economic, and it will enlarge the market potential for commercial electric vehicles.For large fleet operators (self-service individual transport systems, goods delivery companies) these things are essential. Safety ImpactsThe introduction of inductive charging systems lead to a considerable improvement of charging safety. The non-conductive energy transfer virtually eliminates all risk of electric shock for the user.Furthermore. the automatic character of the system dispenses with the use of electric cables. thus removing both electrical (handling of power connectors.É) and mechanical (trailing cables.É) hazards which are usually associated with the use of electric vehicle charging equipment. Environmental BenefitsThe efficiency and user-friendliness of the system will enhance the attractivity of the electric vehicle as a solution for urban transport. The environmental benefits of this evolution are well known:
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