"Iveco Dual Energy": for tomorrow's light-duty vehicle
To meet the demands of increasingly sustainable mobility while responsibly combining economic growth with environmental protection, Iveco is committed to researching new technological solutions every day.
This innovative context led to the Iveco Dual Energy, a technological concept with a chassis that presents technology for the light-duty vehicle of tomorrow, shown in Iveco's innovation area in Hanover. Iveco Dual Energy proposes extremely flexible technology for light commercial vehicles, capable of switching to the most appropriate source of energy depending on the vehicle’s mission.
The system relies on the use of two different types of traction - one is exclusively electric in order to ensure zero local emissions and low noise levels, and the other is hybrid (thermoelectric) and suitable for long journeys and for extra-urban missions, reducing consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25%. The principle of operation consists of just a few steps: the fuel's chemical energy is converted into mechanical energy for motion, whereas kinetic energy, which would be dispersed during braking or vehicle deceleration, is recovered and converted into electric energy to be stored in the battery. If necessary, this energy becomes available for the traction.
The hybrid system is the most appropriate for energy efficiency on extra-urban roads. Indeed, compared to a Diesel engine, this system ensures a reduction in fuel consumption and in CO2 emissions of up to 25%. The electric system is indicated for urban or low-traffic areas, where the speed limit does not exceed 50 km/h. Then, alternating these two traction systems makes vehicles suitable for “last mile” management in zero emission areas, whilst ensuring the best performances for extra-urban activities.
Iveco worked on creating this concept using an open and collaborative means of innovation rooted in its ability to cooperate with important partners, sharing ideas, skills and enthusiasm with them. The chassis components on display are the result of teamwork that involved major international companies.
Specifically: the multi-function chassis was developed with ARCELOR MITTAL and MAGNETTO; the components made from fibre composite material with Xperion; the suspensions in multi-material with Streparava; the built-in plastic modules were developed in collaboration with Sole. Also, the e-drive, an electric engine-generator paired with an inverter, was developed in collaboration with Bosch; the multimode manual transmission with FPT Industrial; the lithium ion traction battery with Johnson Control; the electric steering wheel with ZF Lenksysteme; the Electric Brake System with Brembo; the two-level air conditioning system with DENSO; the heat exchanger with CRF; the D-air® with enveloping airbags with Dainese.
In the same area, five seats are on display, four of which are for a Daily Minibus and one for a STRALIS, on which Airbag “D-air enveloping airbags” are installed, which use Dainese's D-air® technology.
D-air® is a technology that comes from the world of major motorcycle racing. Developed by Dainese, D-air® uses special high-pressure sacks with a patented 3D structure for maximum protection and ergonomics and "cold" technology gas generators. The new concept of a protective shell that envelops passengers was conceived to specifically address the needs of commercial vehicles and introduce a new paradigm in passive protection as well as a new way to improve the safety of transport.
The D-air® sack has a three-dimensional structure with controlled expansion (total intervention time from activation to inflation is around 45 milliseconds), which, together with high-pressure inflation, allows for a shape and volume designed to envelop and protect the passenger's body. All this makes it possible to achieve maximum shock absorption in a minimum amount of space - that is, the best possible trade-off between safety and ergonomics.
