2024 brings a new wave of innovative EU-funded projects led or supported by ERTICO. These initiatives underline ERTICO’s role and experience as project coordinator or work package leader and its strong commitment to advancing the EU’s agenda in driving innovation in the mobility sector. Below is a first overview of these new initiatives.
ERTICO will coordinate the MetaCCAZE project, which has the objective of expediting the deployment of user-focused smart systems and services, merging electric automated and connected mobility alongside associated infrastructure across cities in Europe. The project’s full title is ‘Flexibly adapted MetaInnovations, use cases, collaborative business and governance models to accelerate deployment of smart and shared Zero Emission mobility for passengers and freight’ and, spanning 48 months, it will engage in a series of MetaDesign initiatives with stakeholders from multiple sectors and diverse population segments. The aim is to craft meta-designed, shared zero-emission mobility use cases, collaborative business strategies, and governance models.
Another new ERTICO-coordinated project is ZEV-UP, which aims to revolutionise urban transportation with an innovative, user-centric battery electric vehicle for both passengers and goods transportation. Launched under a call of the 2Zero Partnership, this 42-month project, which stands for “Frugal Zero-Emission Vehicles for the Urban Passenger challenge”, will propose a modular and multi-purpose electric vehicle, with a swappable battery to reduce the cost for the user and enhance energy efficiency. The project introduces a frugal zero-emission vehicle concept with three variants adapted to the user’s needs, focusing on sustainability, seamless charging and driving experience, and low operational and maintenance costs. Real-world demonstrations in Budapest and Istanbul will assess user acceptance and evaluate the vehicle’s design and technological innovations, paving the way for greener, more efficient urban mobility.
The EU project LeMesurier also falls under the 2Zero Partnership, the European research and innovation initiative that aims to accelerate the transition to zero tailpipe emission road transport by 2050. The initiative brings together a wide range of partners from industry, research, and public sector representatives to develop and deploy innovative solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable transport system. To reach this goal, 2Zero defines several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA). For 24 months, LeMesurier, coordinated by E3-Modelling, will establish a standardized framework to monitor these KPIs derived from the projects undertaken within the partnership and the assessment and impact of their outcomes. Its 13 partners will also provide recommendations for the establishment and assessment of appropriate metrics and evaluation methodologies to effectively measure and evaluate the partnership’s contributions to addressing the road transport challenge.
Steered by ERTICO as the work package leader for communication and dissemination, the ENVELOPE project commenced on 1st January 2024 under the HORIZON Joint Undertaking Innovation Actions. Its comprehensive title, the “Evaluation and Validation of Connected Mobility in Real Open Systems Beyond 5GS” outlines its 36-month objective: advancing the reference 5G adv. architecture and tailoring interfaces for CAM Use Cases while orienting it vertically. Coordinated by ICCS, ENVELOPE’s ambition is to establish three extensive B5G trial sites in Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece, exclusively dedicated to CAM services and beyond. These sites will feature specialised functionalities for CAM services and advanced exposure capabilities. While its primary focus lies within the CAM vertical, the innovations developed through ENVELOPE will exhibit adaptability to diverse vertical applications. The project’s architecture will act as an inclusive framework, adept in supporting various vertical services, serving as a versatile envelope for their seamless integration.
The JULIA project, which stands for “Joint developments for Urban resiLIence connecting users to public transport through spAce technology” seeks to unleash the potential of the European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS) to boost sustainable public transport. This set of satellites, connected with ground infrastructure, provides positioning, navigation and timing. 14 partners, coordinated by the Spanish company FACTUAL CONSULTING SL, will explore novel avenues to build a more trustworthy and efficient public transportation system involving public transport authorities and operators, integrating AI and webhooks. The project will harness existing public transport, digitalisation, EU space services and user-centric applications into mature, market-ready solutions at the highest levels of technology readiness (TRL7-9) using digital technologies. JULIA is part of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). ERTICO, in conjunction with POLIS, will spearhead a robust dissemination strategy to disseminate the project’s outcomes widely across the global public transport industry.
These initiatives, starting in 2024 showcase ERTICO’s leadership and commitment to driving innovation in urban transportation, zero-emission road transport, 5G advancements, and sustainable public transit. With an unwavering dedication to forging cutting-edge solutions and fostering innovation, ERTICO stands as a driving force, ready to drive European transport towards a future that is more interconnected, sustainable, and innovative.
