Strategies, tools and concepts for optimised road Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) long-haul logistics use cases (2ZERO Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to speed up the use of Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEVs) in freight transport across the European Union and Associated Countries. It focuses on developing new logistics models that help optimize battery size and charging strategies for different types of logistics operations. The opportunity aims to make road freight systems more reliable and effective by creating software tools for better decision-making. It also seeks to increase real-world demonstrations of HD-BEVs in long-haul and cross-border transport, and to better understand the needs of those involved in logistics. The focus areas include improving vehicle configurations, planning charging strategies, and addressing challenges like range, costs, and scaling up HD-BEV use in various logistics scenarios.

• Projects must aim to accelerate the adoption of Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEVs) in logistics.
• They should focus on optimizing battery size and charging strategies for different logistics scenarios.
• Projects must enhance the reliability and efficiency of road freight systems through innovative software tools.
• They should include real-life demonstrations of HD-BEVs, particularly for long-haul and cross-border operations.
• Projects must address challenges such as vehicle range, total cost of ownership, and scalability in logistics operations.
• Proposals should align with the expected outcomes and geographic focus on the EU and Associated Countries.

Example projects:

• Testing a new route planning software that helps logistics companies choose the best charging points for electric trucks on TEN-T corridors.
• Launching a demonstration project where a fleet of HD-BEVs transports goods between two EU countries, measuring real-world performance and costs.
• Developing a tool that predicts battery needs based on different types of cargo and driving distances for logistics operators.

• Personnel costs for staff working on the project
• Costs for purchasing or leasing HD-BEVs used in demonstrations
• Development and deployment of software tools
• Expenses for charging infrastructure and related equipment
• Travel and subsistence for project activities
• Data collection and analysis costs
• Costs for organizing workshops or stakeholder engagement events
• Materials and supplies for demonstrations
• Subcontracting for specialized services
• Communication and dissemination activities

All eligible expenses will be reimbursed as a lump sum. Specific restrictions or detailed eligible costs should be checked in the official programme documents.

• Budget for this Call: 5.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be based in the European Union or an Associated Country.
• Projects must focus on research and innovation related to HD-BEVs in logistics.
• Proposals should address the specified scope, including operational demonstrations and software development.
• Applicants may need to form partnerships or consortia, especially for cross-border activities.
• Organizations must follow the submission guidelines and page limits as described in the application form.
• Participants from non-EU or non-Associated Countries may face restrictions on funding availability.
• All eligibility requirements described in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes must be met.