Greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and rational energy use are civilization-scale challenges which need to be resolved urgently, in particular by the conversion of abundant waste heat and undesired vibrations into useful electricity. However, the low efficiency of existing conversion methods does not provide an attractive solution. Here we propose a new and highly efficient method and apparatuses for the simultaneous transformation of mechanical and thermal energies into electricity by using zero-emission nanotriboelectrification during non-wetting liquid intrusion-extrusion into-from nanoporous solids. To tackle these phenomena, we bring together a consortium of multidisciplinary teams specializing in physics, chemistry, material science and engineering to address the project by the state-of-the-art methods of MD simulations, high-pressure calorimetry and dielectric spectroscopy, materials synthesis and characterization, and prototype development. The FET-PROACTIVE call is a key solution to bring this early stage multidisciplinary concept to higher TRLs, fill in the large knowledge gaps in the solid-liquid contact electrification and heat generation during intrusion-extrusion as well as enable its full impact on EU innovation leadership, competitive market and energy sector security. The proposed method can be used for energy scavenging within a wide range of technologies, where vibrations and heat are available in excess (train, aviation, domestic devices, drilling, etc.). In particular, using European Environment Agency data we estimate that the use of the proposed approach only within the automobile sector can reduce the overall EU electricity consumption by 1-4% in 2050. With this regard, the final stage of the project implies regenerative shock-absorber development and field-testing for a drastic maximization of the maximum range of hybrid / electric vehicles.

Overall goal of the XILforEV project strives for developing a complex experimental environment for designing electric vehicles and their systems, which connects test platforms and setups from different domains and situated in different geographical locations. The domains under discussion can cover (but not limited by) hardware-in-the-loop test rigs, dynamometers, material analysers, and other variants of experimental infrastructures. Real-time running of specific test scenarios simultaneously on (i) all connected platforms/devices with (ii) the same real-time models of objects and operating environments allows exploring interdependencies between various physical processes that can be hardly identified or investigated in the process of EV development. However, the realization of connected and shared XIL experimental environment is characterized by a number of steps to be solved, e.g. communication concepts ensuring real-time capability of connected experiments, reliable methods for real-time handling of big experimental data et al. With this in mind, a strong consortium has been built, encompassing a wide spectrum of competences. In summary, the XILforEV project brings together seven complementary participants from industry and academia, to address the new design and testing tool for electric vehicles and their systems, based on a sound and objective analysis of the distributed XIL technologies, at a level of depth never attempted by any previous research on the subject. To this purpose the XILforEV activity will include novel techniques for connecting experimental labs and dedicated case studies for designing EV motion control and EV fail-safe control. In addition, considering the importance of virtual models in XIL procedures and the availability of different test benches interconnected, the proposal also addresses the development of high-confidence, real-time capable models with automatic validation using experimental data.

MOCO is based on an intensive staff exchange to promote joint research and training between 14 universities and industrial companies from 8 European countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico and South Africa. The proposal innovates the methods of motion control and creates a comprehensive framework for the design, identification and validation of systems for the domain of multi-actuated vehicles. With a focus on driving and functional safety, energy efficiency, driving performance and ride comfort, MOCO is dedicated to improving the robust operation of automated and electric vehicles under various driving conditions, including uncertain road surfaces, severe conditions and terrains, as well as scenarios characterised by limited information and communication infrastructures. Research and innovation activities will focus on the following: (i) Development of sophisticated tools for estimating parameter variations and identifying system characteristics using hybrid model-based and data-driven methods; ii) Design of advanced vehicle motion control systems considering automated driving functions, multi- actuated configurations and different electric powertrain topologies using robust and predictive approaches; iii) Validation and verification of real-time software and hardware-based demonstrators using state-of-the-art methods; iv) Facilitate practical recommendations, based on the MOCO results, for researchers, OEMs and suppliers working on automotive and interdisciplinary applications; v) Professional development of participating research and engineering staff; vi) Knowledge transfer and promotion of the exchange of expertise between the partners. In addition to research and training, the project will focus on relevant networking, dissemination and exploitation initiatives to maximise its impact. MOCO will cultivate the necessary competences and skills that are essential to foster successful innovation in the emerging mobility domains.

The project brings together ten participants from industrial and academic backgrounds to provide innovative and mass-production optimised components enabling the efficient integration of powertrain and chassis systems, which will increase EV range and user acceptance. Given the recent progress related to in-wheel motors technology, and the benefits of in-wheel architectures in terms of active safety, packaging and drivability, EVC1000 will focus on in-wheel drivetrain layouts, as well as a wheel-centric integrated propulsion system and EV manager. More specifically, the consortium will develop: - New components for in-wheel powertrains: i) Efficient, scalable, reliable, low-cost and production-ready in-wheel motors, suitable for a wide range of torque and power specifications; and ii) Dual inverters for in-wheel motor axles based on Silicon Carbide technology. The designs will include detailed consideration and measurement of the electro-magnetic compatibility aspects, as well as the implementation of model-predictive health monitoring techniques of the electronic components. - New components for electrified chassis control with in-wheel motors: i) Brake-by-wire system for seamless brake blending, high regeneration capability and enhanced anti-lock braking system control performance; and ii) Electro-magnetic active suspension actuators, targeting increased comfort and electric vehicle efficiency. - Controllers for the novel EVC1000 components, exploiting the benefits of functional integration, vehicle connectivity and driving automation for advanced energy management The new EVC1000 components will be showcased in two production-ready electric vehicle demonstrators of different market segments. EVC1000 will assess the increased energy efficiency and will include demonstration of long distance daily trips. The vehicle demonstration phase will consider objective and subjective performance indicators for human factor analysis, to deliver enhanced customer experience.