Optimised energy management and use (OPTEMUS) represents an opportunity for overcoming one of the biggest barriers
towards large scale adoption of electric and plug-in hybrid cars: range limitation due to limited storage capacity of electric
batteries.
The OPTEMUS project proposes to tackle this bottleneck by leveraging low energy consumption and energy harvesting
through a holistic vehicle-occupant-centred approach, considering space, cost and complexity requirements. Specifically,
OPTEMUS intends to develop a number of innovative core technologies (Integrated thermal management system comprising
the compact refrigeration unit and the compact HVAC unit, battery housing and insulation as thermal and electric energy
storage, thermal energy management control unit, regenerative shock absorbers) and complementary technologies (localised
conditioning, comprising the smart seat with implemented TED and the smart cover panels, PV panels) combined with
intelligent controls (eco-driving and eco-routing strategies, predictive cabin preconditioning strategy with min. energy
consumption, electric management strategy).
The combined virtual and real-life prototyping and performance assessment in a state of the art, on-the-market Asegment
electric vehicle (Fiat 500e) of this package of technologies will allow demonstrating a minimum of 32% of energy
consumption reduction for component cooling and 60% for passenger comfort, as well as an additional 15% being
available for traction, leading to an increase of the driving range in extreme weather conditions of at least 44 km (38%) in
a hot ambient and 63 km (70%) in a cold ambient.