Final showdown of the EGVI funded URBANIZED project

The URBANIZED project concluded last week in Brussels with a presentation of its final findings and results to a wide audience, including representatives from CINEA and the European Commission DG Science & Innovation. The project’s demonstrator vehicle, ASTRID, which was showcased at our last RTR Conference in February, played a crucial role in collecting significant data and experience. bpost was an active partner in the project, providing a testing ground for the prototype and facilitating feedback collection from drivers and data from their delivery routines.

The results revealed the following key points:

• An impressive 81.22% reduction in CO2 emissions could be achieved by replacing most of the fleet with URBANIZED vehicles.
• Ongoing advancements in semiconductor technology will contribute to improved performance and efficiency.
• GaN technology demonstrates promising potential for broader usage, although further work is required.
• The scalable e-axle drive is positioned to revolutionise the electric vehicle market by providing a cost-effective and adaptable solution for various applications.
• There is an emphasis on the need for standardised modular systems at the European level to enhance efficiency in urban logistics.

More detailed information on the project results can be found in its position paper, “The URBANIZED Vision for Modular Commercial Vehicles for Future Urban Logistics,” which can be downloaded from the Project News & Activities page. In the same document, you will find a detailed analysis of why modular vehicles will be a contributing factor to the success of European commitments for carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as recommendations on how to move forward and achieve the necessary targets.

You can catch up on the recordings of the 2-panel discussions on the URBANIZED YouTube Channel.