In Tampere, Finland the eTruck project developed an innovation platform for electric commercial vehicles (ECVs). Using real-time communication in vehicles, the project was able to calculate the energy efficiency of electric buses and delivery trucks. In addition, the platform provides smart solutions for public and freight transport.
- 21 February 2019
eTruck developed an innovation platform for electric commercial vehicles. Using bi-directional real-time communication in the vehicles through the Internet of Things (IoT), the project was able to calculate energy efficiency of electric buses and delivery trucks from measured data. In addition, the IoT connection makes numerous smart solutions possible for both public transport and freight transport. Developing smart zero-emission transport in urban areas is now much easier.
Based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which allows vehicles and devices to exchange information wirelessly, the online platform was used for collection and analysis of data, which fed into the development of a simulation and calculation model.
eTruck developed a bi-directional real-time data acquisition system connected to an IoT server. This communication technology supported the creation of applications that can send drivers reports on their vehicle’s energy use at the end of their shifts.
Initially, the platform was used to gather energy-related data from the electric lorry. Drivers volunteered to test it and took steps to improve their driving based on the energy efficiency readings they got. It was subsequently installed on Tampere’s first fully electric bus.
A need for data
Prior to the launch of eTruck, there was a lack of data on the use of ECVs in northern conditions. A key objective of the project was thus to share information with other parties involved in cutting carbon emissions.
Research into ECV economy and usability under eTruck took into account factors including investment, energy efficiency and the impact of climatic conditions and driving on energy consumption and recovery. The findings were compared with those for diesel lorries and buses and an electric lorry used in southern Europe. The project investigated urban infrastructure requirements for ECV deployment.
The resulting simulation and calculation model evaluates the benefits of ECVs – particularly buses and lorries –and their use in different environments. Currently this model is only appropriate for people with in-depth energy technology knowledge, but it is being further developed for non-specialists.
Continuous real-time information
Operating daily in and around Tampere, the lorry and bus now continuously produce valuable real-time data. This is made openly available for calculations and analysis, facilitating the creation of innovative solutions for electric transport services and products in order to accelerate the transition to emission-free transport.
The vehicles can communicate with infrastructure such as the traffic light system, allowing the lights to detect ECVs and give them priority to optimise energy efficiency. In addition, the eTruck platform can optimise charging, to prolong the life of batteries – the most expensive component of ECVs.
Finland’s main cities, along with many transport companies, are making ever greater use of ECVs. The cities have launched a project entitled eKeko to share ideas and experience using eTruck data.
eTruck also shares information with businesses, research institutes and the wider community in the Tampere area. Universities are using the platform to investigate issues such as the impact of ECVs on emission targets and the development of fast charging stations for ECVs. Transport companies using zero-emission vehicles are creating their own smart applications based on the platform to improve delivery efficiency, with the intention of deploying them across Europe and globally.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “eTruck” is EUR 208 668, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 125 201 through the “Sustainable growth and jobs 2014-2020 - Structural Funds Programme of Finland” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.