The Energy ECS project addresses Europe’s critical challenge of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to sustainable energy systems, particularly in mobility. This is vital for societal resilience against climate change, energy security, and reducing emissions. The project’s overall objective is to accelerate the digitalization of e-mobility systems by developing advanced technologies in electronics, components, and systems (ECS), facilitating European innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It presents seven use cases, including new logistics modes, bi-directional grid charging, and safe autonomous driving, while fostering new business models and ecosystem transformation in the energy and mobility sectors.
Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far
Since its inception, the project has focused on finalizing use case specifications and initiating design, modelling, and simulation work. By the project’s end, expected results include scalable prototypes, validated systems, and ecosystem-based business models to utilize across the geographical markets:
Smart Mobility Results: The project achieved groundbreaking advancements in smart mobility. The partners developed the world’s first drone docking station and automatic landing system, enabling drones to land on moving targets. An ultra-low power SRAM memory chip, designed for use in System-on-Chips for IoT, sensors, and biomedical applications, has already been qualified for manufacturing at Global Foundries and TSMC. The project partners have also delivered a beyond-state-of-the-art Internet-of-Things device for autonomous ship container tracking and monitoring. Furthermore, an award-winning smart and self-sustainable temperature-controlled airline container has been introduced. For the first time, energy harvesting was demonstrated to power commercial tire sensors, complemented by innovative interconnection strategies for flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Autonomous Vehicles Results: This initiative made significant advances in autonomous vehicle technology. It achieved a very high positioning accuracy through advanced sensors and data fusion for infrastructure-based automated driving in bus depots. Position and velocity sensing capabilities in autonomous vehicles were enhanced using self-mixing interferometry (SMI) sensors. The project also developed a fully integrated LiDAR with a photonic integrated chip, providing high-performance 3D and velocity data for autonomous driving and manufacturing solutions, with a demonstrated range of 300 meters. Additionally, it introduced a new wireless charging system for UAVs, featuring a lightweight design of 50 grams and the ability to deliver 200W of power. The project developed the first functional self-powered system for commercial tire sensors that was tested in real-life conditions with successful results.
Smart Grid and Energy Results: The project’s contributions to smart grid and energy systems include the development of a microgrid controller integrated with Microgrid Fleet Management software. The partners collaboratively delivered the first Energy Data Management (EDM) solution for unified connectivity among energy asset owners across geographical areas. A Vehicle Charge Control Unit (VCCU) was introduced to enable easy-to-use bidirectional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging, which has already been sold to pilot customers during the later part of the project. Lightweight photovoltaic modules were developed, incorporating a novel shingling method.
Progress beyond the state of the art, expected results until the end of the project and potential impacts
The project surpasses the state of the art by integrating advanced ECS technologies to enhance e-mobility solutions, such as energy-independent intermodal transport asset tracking & monitoring, innovative charging systems, and safe autonomous driving.
Technological and scientific impacts: The anticipated socio-economic impacts include strengthened European manufacturing competitiveness, reduced emissions, and improved grid stability. Significant advances in smart logistics, smart grids, EV charging, energy harvesting and autonomous vehicles foster innovation in ECS and their manufacturing, addressing core challenges in energy and mobility.
Reach at the end of the project: By the conclusion of the project, it resulted in 20 scientific publications and 36 intellectual property rights, including two granted patents and 21 patent applications. The project partners have received one award and achieved one certification.
Economic impacts: The project drives economic growth through targeted use Cases, with revisited business plans; individual partner exploitation plans outline the projected market impacts and commercialization pathways. Brief statistics: Over the three years, the project facilitated the development of 16 new products and services, including seven commercialized products and three new processes. It contributed to increased revenues exceeding €30 million and created over 100 new jobs.
Societal and environmental impacts: The societal implications involve enabling sustainable mobility and logistics, fostering green energy transitions, and contributing to Europe’s energy resilience goals. These impacts are divided into two application categories:
Logistics and Transportation Impacts: The integration of drones with buses significantly enhanced operational safety of autonomous drones in urban environments to enable more efficient and secure services. Real-time tracking combined with machine learning optimized container usage, potentially reducing energy consumption and maritime logistics emissions by 30–40% per container. Lightweight container designs reduced air cargo weight by 40%, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 45%, and saving approximately 72 tons of CO2 annually per container. IoT-based real-time tracking improved security by minimizing counterfeiting and theft of pharmaceutical products, addressing industry losses estimated at €110 billion annually.
Energy and Smart Mobility Impacts: The project contributed to smarter grids development by enabling bi-directional charging and renewable integration, reducing energy transfer needs while providing ways to balance energy systems locally and on the national level. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology supported local renewable energy usage and optimized backend energy consumption. Real-time monitoring of smart tires based on renewable energy drives enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Autonomous driving systems demonstrated long-term sustainability impact by improving energy efficiency in autonomous electric vehicles.