Long-haul BEVs and FCEVs need to become more affordable and reliable, more energy efficient, with a longer range per single charge, and a reduced charging time to meet the user’s needs. Next to those, there is a real need to take zero-emission long-haul goods transport in Europe to the next level by executing real-world demonstrations of BEVs and FCEVs spread all over Europe; this also requires that technology soon can deliver on promised benefits (easy handling, similar driving hours & charging/fueling, and high speeds, and ability to operate in complex transport supply chains); flexible and abundant charging points for the rising number of vehicles must be implemented fast and to support this, novel charging concepts are needed. In addition, as multiple needs in the logistics chain exist, require novel tools for fleet managers providing them with better information on ZEV in logistic operation, providing a twin of the real use thereby giving valuable information regarding predictive maintenance, eco-driving etc., providing information on better logistics planning, the (available) charging and refuelling along the route, access to roads and traffic information. ZEFES major outcomes: Executing of real-world demonstrations of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs across Europe to take zero-emission long-haul goods transport in Europe to the next level. Pathway for long-haul BEVs and FCEVs to become more affordable and reliable, more energy efficient, with a longer range per single charge and reduced charging times able to meet the user’s needs. Technologies which can deliver promised benefits (easy handling, similar driving hours & charging/fueling, high speeds and ability to operate in complex transport supply chains). Mapping of flexible and abundant charging/fueling points and novel charging concepts. Novel tools for fleet management to support the rising number of long-haul BEVs and FCEVs vehicles in the logistics supply chains.

The general objective of sHYpS is to support the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, by leveraging on previous and on-going work and investment made by Viking and some consortium members. It will develop a hydrogen-based solution, which can be adapted to multiple types of vessels and in some cases can already achieve IMO’s target for 2030 and 2050. The project will develop a (i) novel hydrogen storage intermodal 45’ ISO c-type container, (ii) the complete detailed design of modular containerised powertrain based on optimised PEM Fuel Cells and (iii) their dedicated logistics. On one hand the project will define a logistic based on swapping pre-filled containers, on the other hand it will define a perspective scale-up of the storage capacity and the supply applied to the Port of Bergen use-case. This will allow to kick start a supply-chain without waiting for the full infrastructure to be in place. We show how this approach can already support a remarkable part of the vessels in the EU waters. The project will use the window of opportunity of 1 Viking’s newbuilds Ocean Cruise vessel to install the storage system onboard with the complete gas handling and energy management system and test it during the shakedown cruise by 2026, with a limited power Fuel Cell. When the 6MW will be in place (pendent investment decision by Viking) this will allow to cut 50% of emissions in a 14 days fjord cruise. The midterm outcomes are remarkable, since Viking has a building program of 6 Ocean Cruise ships by 2030 and several river ships. With the right logistics in place the ISO container technology can develop in hundreds of units per year. In the meantime, the upscaled design of the container from this project will approach more segments in sea and IWW application and look to hundreds of vessels in the order book of commercial fleets. The value-chain include LH2 suppliers, giving the opportunity to speed up a supply of thousands tons of LH2 per year in the next 20 years.

The number of battery-powered electric vehicles is expected to be at 30-40 million by 2030 in the EU. This strong increase of electric vehicles is a big challenge for the energy system in Europe, but at the same time a chance to use V1G/V2G/V2X-technologies. As vehicles are mainly parking, they can be used as energy storage in order to increase grid stability. The overall project objective is to optimize the entire charging chain - from energy provision to the end user - to create a clear benefit for all stakeholders. Therefore, a ubiquitous on-demand charging solution based on an optimized charging network considering human, technical and economic factors along the entire charging chain shall be developed. The investigation of the user behavior as well as the analysis of the energy system and grid will form the basis from a research side, to predict the future behavior of EV owners and fleet operators as well as possible shortcomings in the electric grid and energy system. The development of advanced charging technologies and control mechanisms as well as advanced charging and sector coupling concepts, will form the basis for the virtual and real evalulations/demonstrations conducted in 4 different European countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal). In parallel a smart charging simulation environment (digital twin of the charging chain with a holistic simulation environment with multilevel component models and representative information flow between all agents) will be built up. This digital twin will incorporate the results of the demonstration actions and enable an upscaling to show the impact of these technologies. To ensure the interoperability and the optimization along this charging chain, the consortium comprises all relevant partners/stakeholders (energy providers, grid operators, charge point operator, EV equipment providers as well a vehicle manufacturer).