OPTIBODY · Optimized Structural components and add-ons to improve passive safety in new Electric Light Trucks and Vans (ELTVs)

OPTIBODY, is a new concept of modular structural architecture for electric light trucks or vans (ELTVs) that will focus on the improvement of passive safety in order to help to reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries.This new structural concept is composed of a chassis; a cabin improving current levels of EVs’ comfort, occupant protection and ergonomics; and a number of add-ons bringing specific self protection in case of impacts or rollover, and providing partner protection (crash compatibility) while interacting with other vehicles or vulnerable users. Each module can be individually optimized.OPTIBODY, together with the less restrictive distribution of internal components of EVs (with less architectural constraints than conventional ones) will represent a unique opportunity to implement innovative solutions for passive safety in ELTVs.OPTIBODY, as a module-based design, has also important results in terms of repairability. An optimum choice for the different modules’ features will make repairability and maintenance procedures easier and more cost efficient.Currently, the EVs figures are still reduced, but the 21st century will most likely see the replacement of vehicles relying on the internal combustion engine by EVs (as stated in “A Sustainable Future for Transport”- Communication adopted by the EC -17/06/2009). In accordance with this idea, the”National Development Plan on Electric-Drive Vehicles” (German Federal Cabinet -19/08/2009), plans to get 1 million EVs on Germany by 2020; the Spanish Ministry of Industry intends to reach the 1 million EVs in Spain by 2014; manufacturers like RENAULT have forecasted 6 million EVs in Europe by 2010; besides, encouraging the EV is one of the main objectives of the Spanish presidency of the UE.OPTIBODY will imply decreases in severity of injuries as a result of traffic accidents involving ELTVs, this will mean important reductions in sanitary costs to the National Health Services of the Member State