ESCALATE combined RTR presentation with TCO/LCA workshop

ESCALATE presented its plans, research, and first project results during the RTR Conference 2025, which took place from 11-13 February in Brussels. The international event, which aims to disseminate results from EU-funded road transport projects, was also a great opportunity to convene with experts to discuss calculation methods for ‘total cost of ownership’ and ‘life-cycle analysis’ (TCO & LCA) as part of the ESCALATE workshop series.

Joint session with AEVETO cluster- and bus rapid transit projects

RTR was a great opportunity to catch up with the other project partners, as most of the session speakers were acquainted, thanks to the cluster initiative, which was praised by the European Commission.

ESCALATE presented its pilots, overall aims and project innovations related to standardised modular- and scalable multi-powertrains, which will take the first significant step with the upcoming test of the first battery module. Additionally, the virtual and physical pilot routes across Europe were showcased.

Furthermore, digital twinning tools are currently being designed and will be tested in three real-world demonstrations. Additionally, megawatt charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure will support the daily operation of the vehicles. The other panellists that represented the projects of ZEFES, EMPOWER and eBRT 2030 highlighted the significant challenges to decarbonise heavy-duty vehicles for passenger- and freight transport and their respective pilots and innovative actions to solve them.

TCO- & LCA- workshop with cluster projects and experts

ESCALATE partners convened with experts from several EU projects in the early afternoon to discuss and exchange information about different LCA & TCO calculation methods and models. The hybrid meeting also allowed WP leaders and other ESCALATE partners to attend and suggest ideas.

The session started with a recap of the previous workshops, which took place last year and shifted into an exchange about the different TCO-, and LCA calculation methods. Additionally, plans were discussed to draft a position paper about the different aspects of TCO&LCA methods to inform the European Commission and other relevant stakeholders.

The workshop was considered a success, especially thanks to the attendance of representatives from EMPOWER, TranSensus LCA and ALICE, who shared valuable insights.