While the EU has the potential to be the global leader in developing breakthrough zero-emission HDVs, technologies and tools, the European industry is facing several challenges. As addressed in the 2ZERO targets, there is an urgent need to address the challenges. These challenges should be overcome so that zHDV concerns and risks do not dampen innovation and ensure that the EU will be the global lead in zHDV market and will achieve these targets.

To address the aforementioned challenges, the ESCALATE consortium will unlock the potential of novel technologies primarily in 4 areas:

  1. modular, standardised, and scalable center and multi-e-powertrain components and interfaces
  2. on-board energy and thermal management algorithms (WP3);
  3. Cost-efficient and grid-friendly fast-charging solutions up to 1 MW and green H2 refuelling solutions (WP4);
  4. Digital twin (DT) and simulation toolchain,
  5. AI-powered predictive maintenance algorithms,
  6. Trustworthy and explainable fleet management tools and interfaces (WP5); for better economies of scale, LCA and lower TCO.

The proposed solutions will comprehensively address the technical needs of truck manufacturers and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, charging and refuelling infrastructure providers, and logistics companies by linking innovation to regulatory, environmental, socio-economic, ethical, and legal requirements.

Specific logistics issues will be considered to ensure positive business models for operators through effective interpretation of LCA, LCCA, and S-LCA of the 5 pilot demonstrations.

The innovations will be applied via a 2-sprint agile V-cycle covering 3 different vehicle types: Battery HDVs(b-HDV), Fuel Cell HDVs (f-HDV), and a range Extender (r-HDV).