Ford’s main task in the project is the development of a demonstrator vehicle system through a user-centric approach, selection and rightsizing of components and integration of novel connected control strategies and functionalities. For that purpose, commercial vehicle specific user scenarios and use cases were defined in a first step, considering EU typical boundary conditions as e.g. temperature ranges, velocity profiles, range requirements and charging infrastructure characteristics. Based on this framework, relevant strategies and thermal system components are analyzed and the most promising ones are selected for implementation in the demonstrator base vehicle, which is a Ford Transit Van with battery electric propulsion system.
The resulting effects on the key performance indicators as e.g. energy consumption, range accuracy or travel time are assessed by means of real world driving and testing in a controlled environment. Finally, the selected technologies are also assessed economically by carrying out a Total Cost of Ownership analysis.