Higher Voltage, Megawatt Charging System compatible, modular powertrain for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) (2ZERO Partnership)

What is this call about?

The call funds innovation projects developing modular, higher-voltage powertrains for heavy-duty electric vehicles that are compatible with megawatt charging. Results are reported to the 2ZERO partnership.

What does this call fund?

Scope

This Horizon Innovation Action addresses the cost and fast-charging challenges of heavy-duty battery electric vehicles through higher-voltage, modular powertrain systems.

Expected activities

• Simplify system configurations while keeping energy efficiency, to achieve economies of scale and longer component life.
• Raise the voltage beyond 800 V to an optimal level, compatible with Megawatt Charging Systems, and cut charging losses within the vehicle by 10 %.
• Show the benefits of high voltage for fast charging and auxiliary components such as thermal management.
• Consider modular and removable battery systems that support second-life use.
• Develop modular powertrains with defined hardware and software interfaces for specific use cases.
• Demonstrate vehicle solutions in relevant environments and compare life-cycle costs with lower-voltage systems.

Expected outcomes

Demonstrated modularity and integration of advanced high-voltage systems that reduce the cost of commercial vehicles, better energy efficiency and utilisation of heavy-duty vehicles, and shown benefits for fast charging. Activities are expected to reach TRL 7 by the end of the project.

Further expectations

• Proposals are expected to address all the listed aspects, including demonstration in relevant environments.

When is the deadline?

14 April 2027 (160 days)

14 April 2027 (single-stage submission). Planned opening date: 15 December 2026.