OPTIBODY - Optimized Structural components and add-ons to improve passive safety in new Electric Light Trucks and Vans (ELTVs)
Overview
Background & policy context:
OPTIBODY is a concept of modular structural architecture for electric light trucks or vans (ELTVs) that will focus on the improvement of passive safety in order to help to reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries.
This structural concept is composed of: i) a chassis, ii)a cabin improving current levels of electric vehicles' comfort, occupant protection and ergonomics and iii)a number of add-ons bringing specific self protection in case of impacts or roll over, and providing partner protection (crash compatibility) while interacting with other vehicles or vulnerable users. Each module can be individually optimised.
Objectives:
OPTIBODY, together with the less restrictive distribution of internal components of electric vehicles (with less architectural constraints than conventional ones) will represent a unique opportunity to implement innovative solutions for passive safety in ELTVs. As a module-based design, it also has important results in terms of repairability.
Methodology:
An optimum choice for the different modules' features will make repairability and maintenance procedures easier and more cost efficient. The 21st century will most likely see the replacement of vehicles relying on the internal combustion engine by electric vehicles (as stated in "A Sustainable Future for Transport", Communication adopted by the EC, 17/06/2009).
In accordance with this idea, the "National Development Plan on Electric-Drive Vehicles" (German Federal Cabinet, 19/08/2009), plans to get 1 million electric vehicles to Germany by 2020; the Spanish Ministry of Industry intends to reach the 1 million electric vehicles in Spain by 2014; manufacturers like RENAULT have forecasted 6 million electric vehicles in Europe by 2010. Besides this, encouraging the electric vehicle is one of the main objectives of the Spanish presidency of the UE.
The OPTIBODY project will imply decreases in the severity of injuries as a result of traffic accidents involving ELTVs. This will mean important reductions in sanitary costs to the National Health Services of the Member States.
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