Project in Focus: TRANSFORMERS

TRANSFORMERS_Back view of the truck_HR 50%In the TRANSFORMERS project (Configurable and Adaptable Trucks and Trailers for Optimal Transport Efficiency), EUCAR members developed a solution to achieve 25% energy efficiency per tonne kilometres in a real-world application. This was achieved by combining in a modular approach three concepts:

  • Rightsizing by means of hybridization,
  • truck engine downsizing and
  • trailer design addressing aerodynamics and load efficiency improvements.

Since September 2013 the TRANSFORMERS project successfully developed an innovative tractor-semitrailer and a truck-trailer. The solutions will enable up to 8 % energy saving per tonne kilometre in long haulage and up to 12 % for distribution traffic. Further TRANSFORMERS achievements:

  • Pre-standard framework for the electric Hybrid-on-Demand driveline concept;
  • Demonstrator of three different vehicle combinations;
  • Toolboxes with aerodynamic devices/technologies, and another one with load – and loading efficiency devices/technologies;
    • Both include guidelines for selecting options, and demonstrate devices as part of the total vehicle demonstrations;
  • Compliance with infrastructure for vehicle combination concepts composed of truck-trailer combinations.

TRANSFORMERS will hold its final conference on 29 June 2017 in Gothenburg. To join the event please visit the TRANSFORMERS website.

Project facts:

Start: Duration: Budget: Public funding: Website:
September 2013 48 months €7.9 million €5.2 million http://www.transformers-project.eu/
Partners: Coordinator: Volvo Group
  EUCAR members: DAF Trucks, Volvo Group
Partners: Bosch, FEHRL, Fraunhofer, IFSTTAR, IRU Projects, Procter & Gamble, Schmitz Cargobull, TNO, Uniresearch, Van Eck, Virtual Vehicle