Electric car project succeeds in road sensing

An electric vehicle project has concluded with “exemplary results” in energy efficiency.

The OpEneR project (Optimal Energy consumption and Recovery) investigated how to increase the driving range of electric cars through intelligent energy management technology rather than an increasing the number of batteries. Experiments took place Vigo, Spain, and were funded by the Seventh Framework Programme.

There were a number of achievements of the project, most notably improving energy efficiency of cars by up to 30% in return for a longer travel time of just 14%. The accomplishment was made with the use of 3D GPS, helping to anticipate upcoming hills and also involved increased knowledge of upcoming traffic and road signs, helping reduce unnecessary energy usage.

Onboard sensors and computers predict the energy needed during a journey from route calculation, environment sensing and communication with the infrastructure, coasting assistance for cars ahead. The data is then fed back to the driver through the accelerator pedal to recommended settings.

The results were accomplished after several years of simulations and the construction of two prototypes; it was the first time that all the functionalities were integrated and operated together.

The technology will be introduced into future electric cars that will be available on the consumer market. The project began in 2011 and includes six partners from four European countries. The project had a budget of €8m.