Sustainable Propulsion CONVENIENT Complete Vehicle Energy-saving Technologies for Heavy-Trucks Motivation and Objectives Fuel efficiency is a first priority for Customers of long-haul trucks, because of its major impact (about 30%) on the Total Operating Costs. The efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles can be improved in a relevant way by operating on both the tractor and the semi-trailer. The main objective of CONVENIENT project is the development of a novel long-distance heavy-truck archetype featuring a suite of technologies enabling a 30% fuel saving. The project includes the development and integration of: - innovative energy efficient systems and energy harvesting devices - advanced active and passive aerodynamics devices - energy management at vehicle level - driver support to maximize the benefits of the energy-saving systems and strategies Project Plan, Milestones and Deliverables The figure summarises the project organization and the main Deliverables, i.e. the 3 demo trucks Technical Approach The CONVENIENT project aims to develop a novel long-distance heavy-truck prototype featuring a suite of technologies enabling a relevant reduction of fuel consumption. It is planned to adopt an holistic approach to on-board energy management, aimed to consider the tractor, the semi-trailer, the driver behavior and the mission as a whole problem. The project includes the development and integration of innovative energy efficient systems and energy harvesting devices, advanced active and passive aerodynamics devices on the truck amd on the semitrailer; energy management system at vehicle level; driver support system to maximize the benefits of energy saving devices Organisational Information Budget16.6 M€F unding10 M € Duration36 monthsStartNovember 2012 DG / UnitGC.SST Contract n° CoordinatorMauro Montiglio, Main Partners: 21 partners, among them IVECO, VOLVO, DAF, ZF, Continental, Magna ECS Website: Achievements It is envisioned to achieve 30% fuel-saving improvement on the final heavy-truck demonstrator vehicle. The electrification of the auxiliaries will contribute with an estimated 3÷4% fuel economy improvement. The hybrid powertrain will contribute with an estimated 5÷7% fuel-saving in long-haulage mission. Additional 3% fuel-saving is attributed to friction reduction, which includes axles and tires. It is expected up to 5% improvement in highway mission thanks to active and passive aerodynamics A novel Dual-Level Cooling system associated with Flat Heat Exchangers (FHX) could improve the efficiency of thermal system up to 2% improvement. The PV solar panels on cab-roof and on the semitrailer roof, will harvest energy for charging the high- voltage battery, thus enabling the use of Electric Climatisation and other in-cab electric devices. Predictive Driver Support system will support the driver by suggesting the proper driving-style and speed profile, leveraging on e-horizon information; its estimated fuel-saving is about 5÷8%. Safe & Integrated Mobility Affordability & Competitiveness Commercial Vehicle