Abstract
DELIVER aims to develop an Electric Light Commercial Vehicle (ELCV) with a significant increase of energy efficiency compared to conventional vehicles in the market. The possibility to integrate electric motors into the wheel opens up new freedom in design. DELIVER is to produce and physically showcase design research results that allow for full exploitation of this new freedom. To achieve this key objective, the project develops a design concept for ELCVs with in-wheel motors, which enables at least the same high level of intrinsic safety as known from current conventional vehicles at minimal weight, maximized energy efficiency and optimized ergonomics & loading space. The program culminates in a driving concept validation vehicle.
The DELIVER approach includes different steps: the basis for the study is set in a market and technology forecast to understand future demands and limitations. According to this the requirements for LCVs are specified. The second step comprises the concept definition and exploration. Several base concepts are defined and investigated. The most promising concept is picked by the team and developed further detailed to a stage that allows for prototyping. In parallel the virtual concept is assessed continuously to support the design phase. The assessment and validation of the physical demonstrator vehicle completes the investigations.
The work resulted in a futuristic ELCV concept that is purposely designed from scratch. It contains an innovative driver’s cabin layout with optimized ergonomics and enhanced flexibility. A key element is the driver seat with a swivel mechanism. It enables ingress and egress on both sides of the vehicle, which leads to an increase of efficiency for delivery drivers. The new cabin concept requires a novel door concept that also fulfils the requirements regarding side crash and pole impact. Another feature of the concept is the modular load bay that enables flexible installations even beyond delivery services. Additionally a fully electric drivetrain has been developed consisting of a high energy density battery and motorized wheels. The motorized wheels are located at the rear axle. Thus a maximum of design freedom is provided in the front of the vehicle that is used to create a simple and cost effective design, ensuring a maximum of kinetic energy absorption in case of a crash.
The DELIVER concept is a futuristic and innovative delivery vehicle. It shows new ideas that can help to meet future challenges of the logistics industry, i.e. increased efficiency in terms of energy consumption and user ergonomics. The results will be published and can be adopted by vehicle manufacturers to improve their next generation electric vehicles. The project will continue until October 2014, while the demonstrator vehicle is already shown at this year’s FISITA World Automotive Congress.
KEYWORDS ─ in-wheel motors, LCV (light commercial vehicle), ergonomics, electric vehicle, energy efficiency