Interview with AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
We are excited to present an interview with Dragan Simic from AIT Autrian Institute of Technology, discussing the EMPOWER project. In this conversation, we explore the project’s goals, its innovative approach, and the impact it aims to have within the industry.
What is your role in the project?
Project manager / Consortium leader
What are the main challenges the heavy-duty vehicle industry is facing?
Driving range limitation, relativelly low user acceptance, very high energy consumption of the auxiliaries at cold and warm driving conditions, lifetime of vehicle components (e.g. battery)
How is EMPOWER project responding to these challenges?
The EMPOWER will develope and realise two TRL 8 demostrators using different technologies and topologies which will be tested and integratet into the demonstrators and will support by reduction of the entire vehicle energy consumption.
What research are you conducting at your Institution and how is it applied in the EMPOWER project?
Development of a novel and efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system to improve and increase the real world driving range.
How do you collaborate with other partners in the EMPOWER project to achieve your goals?
e.g. Other project partners will support by conceptualisation, testing and optimisation of Heating, Ventilation and AirConditioning system
How is your institution benefiting from participating in the EMPOWER project?
Know-How increasing around Heating, Ventilation and AirConditioning topics
How do you envision the results of EMPOWER contributing to a more sustainable world?
Delivering the next generation of affordable and highly efficient ZE HDVs; accelerating the uptake of zero tailpipe emission; user-centric solutions for road-based mobility; supporting the European economic growth and providing a solid base for new business opportunities;
Looking to the future, what impact do you think the EMPOWER project will have on the industry and society as a whole?
EMPOWER has the ambition of impacting the ZE HDV market, delivering two modular and highly efficient HDV for long-haul fuel-cell electric vehicle and regional distribution battery electric vehicle purposes, fit for the future ZE HDV mass-market.
What do you like to do outside of work? Favourite hobbies or pastimes?
Accordion playing; oldtimer-vehicle repair; hand-made work around vehicles;
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