FABRIC - FeAsiBility analysis and development of on-Road chargIng solutions for future electric vehiCles

DESCRIPTION

FABRIC responds to the need to assess the potential and feasibility of a more extensive integration of electric vehicles in the mobility and transportation system. The project will focus primarily on dynamic wireless charging, based in the principle of inductive power transfer to power vehicles when circulating over a coil located in the ground. This system would allow practically all of the drawbacks of on-board battery packs to be avoided. In addition, on-road charging would also enable the direct link to renewable energy sources, being the only way to fully decarbonise road transport.
By engaging a highly-qualified, expert and comprehensive group of key stakeholders within its consortium, FABRIC will determine and assess the end-user requirements, the technology drivers and challenges that impact the widespread implementation of wireless charging technology, and the technology gaps to be bridged in order to provide rational and cost-effective solutions for the grid and road infrastructures.
FABRIC will also include a full assessment of the ICT solutions for EVs being implemented in order to facilitate the take up of the next generation of EVs, that will be based on the novel-charging solutions proposed by the Project.
The solutions developed, conceived to enable full integration in the grid and road infrastructure within urban- and extra-urban environments for a wide range of future electric vehicles, will be implemented and tested in two demo sites:
  • Satory (France:) The test site will allow relevant experiments associated to dynamic inductive charging use on road and periurban highway.
  • Torino (Italy): In this facility it will be possible to test wireless technology under different conditions in urban environment.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of FABRIC is to address the technological feasibility, economic viability and socio-environmental of dynamic on-road charging of electric vehicles, in order to provide insights into key wireless charging technologies, trends, research and development for the automotive sector. The project will asses the present and future opportunities for wireless charging, taking into consideration all the various factors that will have an impact on technology adoption by EV makers and end-users

The ultimate aim is to provide a pivotal contribution to the evolution of e-Mobility in Europe by identifying the benefits and costs in absolute terms so that the investments required in the coming years for widespread implementation and exploitation can be fully defined and quantified.

CIRCE'S ROLE

CIRCE has a wide experience in R&D&I activities regarding the inductive charge of electric vehicles and will take an active part in most of the activities foreseen in the Project.

Specifically, CIRCE will be in charge of the requirements definition for the connection to the grid of the charging systems, both for the dynamic on-route and static on-route charging.

It will also define how the charging solution will interface with the grid network for each test site ensuring that the solution can be adequately powered

CIRCE will be involved in the main tasks related to the Electromagnetic Fields (EFM), such as the specification of the technical requirements of the system or the validation of the simulations in terms of operation and safety, to verify that the systems fulfils the standards.

In addition, will carry out various technical feasibility assessments, such as the implementation of the ICT solutions or the integration of RES and storage in the charging infrastructure.

PARTNERS

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