About ZEFES
The ZEFES (Zero Emissions flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System) project has officially started on the 1st of January 2023. The ZEFES project, which will last for 3,5 years, will contribute to the aims and objectives set out in the Green Deal and 2ZERO partnership, where Europe commits itself to be the first CO2 neutral continent by 2050.
The use of zero tailpipe emission vehicles for long-distance heavy-duty freight transport is an important pathway towards achieving these targets. In this project, such vehicles are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). The share of BEVs and FCEVs in the HD transport will increase rapidly, giving a share of roughly 25% in 2030. However, the current vehicles have challenges regarding range, available payload, charging/refuelling possibilities, and energy/fuel costs. On those fronts, the current BEV and FCEV are not compatible with the traditional ICE vehicles.
In the ZEFES project, OEMs, suppliers, and research partners will work together towards the overall goal of ZEVs for long distance heavy freight transport, by focussing on efficiency improvements, mass production capabilities and demonstrating the use of the technology in daily operations. This will bring ZEV adoption in the freight transport ecosystem a big step further.