Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "Modular system for loading vehicles"
In particular in densely populated, urban areas, requirements pertaining to climate protection and noise control are increasingly strict, while the natural scarcity of fossil fuels alongside crowded urban spaces require us to rethink the way we use transport. Commercial e-mobility is a promising solution for urban spaces. To ensure small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), too, can keep abreast with change, we need cost-effective, electric commercial vehicles which can be used by several SMBs at different times of the day following a ‘sharing economy’ model. In addition to various demands each business has regarding loading vehicles to be used in such a scenario, the switch from combustion engines to battery-powered drives offers new possibilities with regard to the design of the loading vehicles. These possibilities need to be modularized within individualized, economically viable modes of production to meet the demands of commercial logistics in urban areas.
Our solution
This research project aims to develop a modular concept for loading vehicles to meet the urban logistics demands of SMBs. To this end, the project consortium first identifies general modules for the vehicle to then complement them with specific modules for the respective clients. These are derived from the demands drawn from usage scenarios of SMBs in inner-city areas. To this end, users contribute their practical experience using commercial vehicles daily.
Since demand for e-cars is still low in Germany, the project will develop a flexibly scalable system for production at different quantities to be able to respond to changing client demands and needs. Our consortial partners contribute their many years’ expertise designing and manufacturing e-mobility components as well as devising production systems for small-scale production.
Finally, a modular sample loading vehicle using the components will be designed and manufactured. Our partners using the vehicle will validate the demonstrator and assess its suitability for everyday use.
Project consortium
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT (project coordination)
- Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components PEM at RWTH Aachen University
- StreetScooter GmbH
- LBBZ Laser Processing- and Consulting Centre NRW GmbH
- Djemajli & Stüttgens GbR
Application partners
- Bäckerei Wilhelm Kaußen bakery
- Bauerntüte GmbH
- Copy 2000
Project sponsors
LeitmarktAgentur.NRW / project sponsor ETN / Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH