After three years of development, the EU funded OpEneR project has produced a technology aimed at increasing the range of electric vehicles.
The new technology will conserve EV range by relaying braking tips based on traffic flows and advice on the best route to limit energy use. Project leaders estimate that this could save as much as 30% on energy usage and in turn increase the EVs range.
Bringing together six partners, including Robert Bosch and PSA, the OpEneR project has been a collaborative attempt to ease consumer ‘range anxiety’ towards electric cars.
The project also worked on improving the efficiency of existing systems, such as the electrical powertrain, the regenerative braking system, the navigation system and the surround sensors, to boost the car’s range.
The new solutions, which received €4.4m of EU investment, will be progressively commercialised and integrated into production of new electric models.
Dr Kosmas Knödler, the coordinator of OpEneR project, said: “Our findings are important for the future of all electric vehicles including hybrids. They will help unlock the market,”
“Further road testing is planned. Then we expect the system to be progressively integrated into production as from next year onwards”
European Commission vice president, Neelie Kroes, added: “Who wouldn’t want to have a better and safer driving experience, while saving money and our environment? We need smarter and greener ways to move: EU projects like OpEneR go in the right direction.”
EV Fleet World, OpEneR
