ECOSTRALIS: a world preview
Iveco presents the ECOSTRALIS in a world preview at the Motor Show in Hannover. This Iveco vehicle is dedicated to long-haul transport with a very specific mission: to contribute to the sustainability of road transport. ECOSTRALIS, the ECO prefix of which signifies both ECOnomical and ECOlogical, is the most efficient and environmentally sustainable vehicle in its category. Iveco engineers worked intensely to optimise the vehicle's performance levels to reduce consumption levels and related CO2 emissions to the minimum in the range.
In addition, the vehicle is equipped with specific tyres, designed to minimise rolling friction and it features excellent aerodynamic characteristics. These product content features are accompanied by significant services dedicated to customers, such a specific economical driving course, the Blue&Me Fleet system, a dedicated service and repair contract and a bespoke leasing.
The ECOSTRALIS combines the strengths of the Stralis range and enhances two of its key aspects: efficiency and integrated services. The aim of this new concept of vehicle is to put together an excellent truck with an entire team at the service of the customer: Iveco.
All details regarding the ECOSTRALIS are provided in a separate document in the Press-Kit.
Innovation at the service of customers
Well aware of the importance of the theme of environmental protection, Iveco dedicates a significant part of its display stand to vehicles with highly innovative engines, ensuring a considerable reduction in consumption levels and CO2 emissions as well as guaranteeing the highest standards in terms of polluting emissions.
This year, Iveco presents these vehicles in the livery of important customers, to demonstrate the fact that Diesel-electric hybrid or full electric traction systems are no longer prototype proposals, but vehicles used every day by its customers under real operating conditions.
ECODAILY Electric
At the IAA 2010 Motor Show, Iveco presents ECODAILY Electric in the livery of an important customer: DHL, which uses this van for deliveries in urban areas.
Iveco, a precursor of electrically-powered vehicles, designed and built the first electric Daily in 1986, The range was then expanded to include vans and urban buses.
ECODAILY Electric is an electrically-driven vehicle with zero exhaust emissions, designed, built, marketed and fully assisted by Iveco. A high specific energy battery supplies electrical energy, through an inverter, to a three-phase asynchronous motor, which has the task of moving the vehicle directly and of recovering kinetic energy during the deceleration phase. It is available in the 35S version (van, combi or chassis cab) with a motor version of 30 kW nominal (60 kW peak) and in the 50C version (van and chassis cab), with a motor version of 40 kW nominal (80 kW peak).
The ECODAILY Electric is equipped with sealed Na/NiCl2 (Sodium Nickel Chlorine) technology traction batteries - which do not produce gaseous emissions, require no servicing and are totally recyclable - with a nominal voltage of 278 Volts. Depending on the versions and autonomy required, the vehicle is equipped with two to four batteries (50 C version only), with a regenerative braking system that recharges the batteries during braking, thus also increasing the available range. The top speed is limited electronically to 70 km/h, while the autonomy varies between 90 and 130 km, depending on the number of batteries and on the mission.
To recharge the batteries, the vehicle is fitted with the same number of battery chargers as installed traction batteries and a three-phase 380 V/32A socket is sufficient. Recharging takes eight hours.
What used to be the true limitation of electric vehicles, i.e. the weight of the batteries which penalised the payload, has substantially been overcome by Iveco with the construction of a vehicle which, with its two batteries, weights just 300 kg more than the Diesel version when empty.
All electric traction systems are controlled by a dedicated control unit that communicates via a CAN network. The auxiliary systems, such as cooling the batteries and the brake system servo pump, are powered by 12 V electric motors controlled by the AC/DC inverter, whereas the power steering pump is powered directly by the DC traction battery.
A CAN display is installed on the dashboard, providing the driver with the necessary information to drive the vehicle correctly: charge status, voltage, temperatures, traction battery current and indications on the running conditions of the electric drive system. The ECODAILY Electric is driven in a very similar way to a normal vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, selecting the driving or parking condition on the purpose-designed lever that communicates with the inverter via CAN. Speed regulation is performed by the traction inverter depending on the pressure applied to the accelerator and brake pedals, in relation to the different driving conditions of the vehicle.
The ECODAILY Electric was awarded best electric commercial vehicle during the eCarTec International Fair for Electric Mobility in Munich in October 2009 and it is now part of the product range offered to Iveco customers.
The ECODAILY Electric adapts perfectly to the most common missions in urban areas, such as door-to-door distribution and the urban passenger transport.
ECODAILY and Stralis Natural Power
Iveco has always paid a great deal of attention to natural gas engines and is now in a position to offer an extensive range of vehicles running on Natural Power. Natural gas powered vehicles are an investment of great social value and at the same time an economic value for the customer. In addition to the cheaper fuel and low consumption levels, methane power is encouraged in a number of countries thanks to purchasing incentives.
Natural gas vehicle technology is an Italian tradition and, since the 1980s, it has been one of the priorities of Iveco's research and development activities. The company is the European leader in the construction and marketing of this type of vehicle: trucks, vans and buses intended for different types of mission and, in particular, for urban use.
Although Iveco products with Diesel engines conforming to European Euro V and EEV standards already have very low emission levels, those with natural gas engines come close to, and sometimes are even better than the limits of the Euro IV standard, which will be applied to heavy commercial vehicles and to buses from 2014. This means that Iveco already has the technologies of the next decade available today.
In addition, the stoichiometric combustion system (i.e. with a chemically corrected air to fuel ratio), coupled to a three-way catalyst, features characteristics of reliability and long life tested for years on vehicles used for light transport. This system, unlike others, makes it possible to detect the composition of the gas used and to adapt the functioning of the engine accordingly, so as to maintain a low level of emissions without sacrificing engine performance.
The spark ignition engine makes noise emissions lower than those of an equivalent Diesel engine. As experimented within the EU project Fideus (Freight Innovative Delivery of Goods in European Urban Space), these vehicles are especially suited to night-time use in urban centres, without requiring further acoustic insulation measures.
Iveco natural gas fuelled commercial vehicles are already today able to use bio-methane. It is one of the renewable energy sources with the best credentials in terms of reduced CO2 emissions. What's more, Iveco is also experimenting with hydro-methane fuelled vehicles. This is a blend of two gases, methane and hydrogen (30%), which provides further CO2 emissions reductions.
The ECODAILY 50C14DG Natural Power is on show at the Hannover 2010 Motor Show. The vehicle displayed, with a chassis crew cab, is designed to carry both the workmen and their related materials. The standard capacity of CNG cylinders is 220 litres, with an optional total capacity of 250 litres. The vehicle is equipped with a petrol tank with a capacity of 14 litres as an emergency get-you-home facility.
The outdoor area at the Motor Show displays a Stralis AD 260S27Y/FS CNG, a vehicle with a 6x2x4 drive configuration, fitted with a pneumatic suspension on all three axles. This product makes for excellent manoeuvrability thanks to t first and third steering axles. On board gas storage cylinders have a total capacity of 640 litres of CNG and the engine is connected to a ZF 16S1621 gearbox with Intarder, an integrated hydraulic retarder.
The Frigoblock stand (one of the major European body shops in the refrigerated transport sector) features a Stralis tractor designed specifically for controlled temperature urban distribution. The model on display is an AD 440S27T/P CNG, the on board gas storage cylinders of which have a total capacity of 720 litres of CNG; the engine is connected to a ZF 16S1621 gearbox with Intarder.
Eurocargo Hybrid
There is a hybrid Eurocargo in Coca-Cola Enterprises livery at the IAA 2010 Motor Show, an important customer that uses the vehicle during its everyday activities.
For vehicles for exclusive city use, the pure electric traction affords advantages both for the user and for society as a whole. In those cases where the vehicle needs to travel outside the city, or where greater performance levels or capacities are necessary, the Diesel-electric hybrid vehicle is certainly the best solution. The parallel configuration allows advanced automatic control logics to use either electric propulsion alone, the the Diesel engine alone, or a combination of the two, depending on the conditions of use, making for a thrilling innovative solution.
The hybrid drive system affords considerable advantages in terms of driver comfort and fuel savings, making for savings which can reach - depending on the missions - up to 30% compared to conventional solutions.
All this is achieved thanks to three important features:
- regenerative braking system. The electric drive motor, in conditions of over-run or when braking, is used as a generator and the kinetic energy of the movement is converted into electricity to charge the batteries;
- Stop&Start function. When the vehicle stops, the Diesel engine is automatically turned off. Starting from rest uses only the electric motor and the Diesel engine is then automatically restarted according on the speed of the vehicle and the driver's acceleration request;
- down-sized Diesel engine. The presence of an electric machine able to work in parallel with the Diesel engine means it is possible to achieve the same performance levels as a conventional reference vehicle, while reducing the size of the Diesel engine and, consequently, the fuel consumption. This combination affords lots of other advantages such as the immediate availability of the maximum torque of the motor to launch the vehicle in electric mode or the Electric-boost function which makes it possible to reach peak performance levels thanks to the support of the electric propulsion.
With these characteristics, urban use, which involves lots of stopping and starting, is handled with maximum consumption savings and the vehicle moves just as efficiently on the motorway with all the flexibility of a normal commercial vehicle.
The new hybrid Eurocargo, which is available in 7.5 and 12 t total gross weight versions, is equipped with a parallel Diesel-electric driveline, which makes it possible to perform goods distribution and collection activities in urban areas, without foregoing the performance levels at top speed on the motorway, with consumption levels up to 30% lower in the urban cycle than vehicles fitted with a conventional Diesel engine.
The 12 t version on display at the Motor Show, uses the 16 valve and 4 cylinder EEV Tector engine with a maximum power of 180 CV (132 kW), with an associated 60 CV (44 kW) electric motor-generator, a 6-speed automatic transmission and lithium ion batteries with a nominal capacity of 1.9 kWh. The 7.5 t version uses the 16 valve and 4 cylinder EEV Tector engine with a maximum power of 160 CV (118 kW), with the same transmission, motor-generator and batteries as the 12 t version.
The features of the system envisage starting the vehicle from rest in electric mode, and the automatic starting of the Diesel engine depending on the driver's performance request, the additional activation of the electric motor in acceleration and up hills, the Stop&Start function and a regenerative braking system that intervenes during the over-run and braking phases. The payload is reduced by just 200 kg compared to conventional Diesel engined models . Another innovative feature of this vehicle consists of the automatic intervention of the engine brake during deceleration, before the application of the operating brake itself.
Citelis
Loyal to its vocation as an innovative manufacturer - and ready to meet the countless requests for vehicles that are increasingly environmentally- and natural resource-friendly - Iveco Irisbus now offers the Citelis urban bus in both the 12 m and 18 m versions, with a new-generation propulsion technique that projects it into the future: the hybrid drive system.
As part of the development of this new generation of urban bus with series Diesel electric hybrid propulsion, Iveco Irisbus has signed a partnership agreement with BAE Systems for the supply of components related to the drive line: power converter, energy management module, batteries, generator with incorporated starter for the Stop & Start function and electric traction motor to create a series Diesel-electric hybrid with a performance level in line with that of a conventional Diesel vehicle.
The joint experience of the two partners in the field of electric or hybrid drives results in a fleet of approximately 3,000 buses in North America and Europe. These vehicles carry in total over two million passengers every day and have already covered almost 400 million kilometres in service.
Depending on the conditions of use, hybrid propulsion makes it possible to obtain reduced fuel consumption of up to 30% and the same for CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions; there is also a 50% reduction in NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions.
The 12 m Citelis displayed at the Motor Show has a Tector 6 EEV Diesel 300 CV (220 kW) engine - instead of the traditional Cursor 8 engine - connected directly to a 140 kW generator and to a 175 kW motor connected to the drive shaft. It is fitted with lithium-iron-phosphate type lithium batteries (LiFePO4) and has a total capacity of 11kWh with a drive system voltage of 600 V.
During acceleration, the power delivered by the Diesel engine driven generator can be integrated with that provided by the batteries. At constant speed, the batteries do not intervene because the power delivered by the generator is sufficient to maintain the speed.
When braking, the traction motor works like a generator and recovers the kinetic energy, recharging the batteries. When the vehicle stops, the Diesel engine is turned off and hence exhaust gases cease to be emitted, allowing for further fuel savings and a significant reduction in the atmospheric and acoustic pollution. For the starting phase, the batteries feed the generator that starts the Diesel engine once more as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle restarts.
The features of the 18 m Citelis are the same as those of the 12 m version, but both the motor and the generator have a power rating of 200 kW.
Glider: a laboratory for the reality of the future
Turning advanced technological innovations into reality is the distinguishing strength that Iveco wanted to give to its presence at the Motor Show. However, the company still deems it a priority to study and interpret future scenarios in order to respond to the continually evolving needs of the transport industry and society. Indeed, the company pursues its engagement in research and innovation, considering them to be the best investment to build the "reality of the future".
This engagement is what inspired the Iveco Glider, a concept on the theme of customer productivity, which Iveco presents in a world preview at the Hanover Motor Show.
The Iveco Glider is the result of a creative journey inspired by nature and developed by Iveco in conjunction with Centro Ricerche Fiat. It is the result of an ideal metamorphosis of a soaring eagle that turns into a glider and then, just as it touches the ground, into the Iveco Glider, a new vehicle idea affording high productivity and minimal environmental impact.
In fact, the eagle, the glider and the Iveco Glider have a lot in common.
The eagle is one of the most perfect airborne creatures in nature, which expresses the best combination of high performance and energy efficiency. The gliding flight of the eagle is the hardest form of flight and has inspired man, who designed the glider, a machine capable of flying without engines or energy sources, but exploiting rising air currents and with incredible aerodynamic efficiency.
Lastly, the Iveco Glider, which embodies the result of Iveco's pursuit of the maximum productivity of heavy vehicles on long-haul road missions.
The Iveco Glider interprets the theme of productivity for customers, focusing on two main aspects:
- energy efficiency
- liveability
The maximum energy efficiency was achieved in four steps:
- on-board generation of renewable energy
- energy recovery
- extremely high energy efficient architecture
- reduced rolling resistance
On-board generation of renewable energy
The Iveco Glider uses high efficiency and high formability photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy on board. The panels cover a surface area of approximately 2 m2 of the cab roof, which undergoes constantly the cleaning effects of aerodynamic flows, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and the production of up to 2 kWh of energy.
Energy Recovery
Evolution rewarded in nature the rational use of energy and the minimisation of waste. Inspired by this principle, researchers fine-tuned systems which make it possible to recover and use the kinetic energy that would be dissipated in the form of heat during braking, as well as the engine's thermal energy that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust gases and through the radiators.
The first system, called Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), makes it possible to recover enough energy to power the majority of the auxiliary systems (air conditioning, compressor, pumps, …) which are powered by electric motors on Iveco Glider. This kinetic energy recovery system allows for a 5% reduction in fuel consumption.
Thermo-dynamic laws do not allow an engine to transform fully the heat generated by combustion into kinetic energy and part of this heat is lost to the atmosphere. The radiator and the exhaust system release this waste heat into the atmosphere. With Iveco Glider, the heat of the exhaust gases is instead turned into electricity thanks to a thermo-dynamic system based on a Rankine cycle, a sort of compact and efficient steam machine. A high efficiency heat exchanger is positioned in the exhaust line immediately after the emission control system and it is used to pressurise an organic working fluid capable to operation also at low ambient temperatures. The heat that is not turned into energy is dissipated also thanks to the planar heat exchangers that operate the side fairings of the Iveco Glider, while a by-pass valve makes it possible to exclude the system during maximum power requests. The heat recovery system helps reduce the vehicle's fuel requirements by up to 10% on motorway missions.
The excess electricity not used by the auxiliary systems is stored in a specific high energy storage unit (Auxiliary Energy Unit) that can be used as an energy source when the vehicle is stationary.
Extremely high energy efficient architecture
Total management of energy means reducing not just waste but also requirements. Consequently, high energy efficiency electric auxiliary equipment has been fitted onto the Iveco Glider (including electric air conditioning with energy saving microclimate control), a new-generation thermal system, full-LED lighting both inside and out.
Reduced rolling resistance
Taking its inspiration from advanced aerodynamics, which enables gliding, certain features were developed and implemented, to allow the adaptation of the vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics to the mission at hand.
A new system of on-board thermal energy management (Smart Cooling) and the adoption of planar heat exchangers make it possible to manage the cooling drag actively (Active Shutters) reducing the drag coefficient (Cx) as much as possible.
In addition, an innovative fifth wheel enables not only the automatic attachment of the semi-trailer, but most of all the variation with the vehicle in motion of the gap between the tractor and the semi-trailer so as to minimise turbulence and drag.
The style of the vehicle was conceived by interpreting the external aerodynamics in the best possible way, across the engine bay and the vehicle underside all the way to the rear extractor profile. The efficacy of form is integrated by the same planar heat exchangers with aerodynamic fairings on the sides.
The low rolling resistance tyres are controlled by a proprietary automatic inflation system (Automatic Tyre Inflation System) capable of adapting the pressure to the mission conditions, thus making it possible to reduce by over 15% the vehicle's rolling resistance on the motorway.
Liveability
The Iveco Glider interprets the concept of liveability, developing the vehicle interior around the occupants. This further contributes to the productivity of transport.
Observing nature inspired engineers to develop the concept of reconfigurability: just like the eagle changes appearance to adapt better to the various phases of its flight, so do the interiors of the Iveco Glider as they are reconfigured to interpret the three functions of use of the cabin in the long-haul cargo transport mission:
- DRIVE, driving, where ergonomics stand for safety
- OFFICE, the office, where technologies enable maximum productivity
- HOME, the home, where comfort and well-being go hand in hand
In the "DRIVE" function, the control panel presents two aspects which are highly appealing to customers:
- it is anchored to the steering wheel and moves consistently with the steering wheel adjustment, thus allowing it, in any position of use of the steering wheel itself, to be perfectly visible to any driver;
- it is totally reconfigurable and based on a natural and intuitive interface to offer more information with a reduced cognitive load. In addition, it allows the customisation of the interface for the driver and for the driving mission.
The fixed hub steering wheel keeps the central cover in the same position even when the steering wheel is turned, making it possible to mount a larger number of functions on it (hazard button, direction indicators, reconfigurable rapid choice button) without any increment in the cognitive load and without ever having to take the hands off the wheel when manoeuvring, for enhanced safety and productivity.
Even the instrument panel is reconfigurable. Flat when the vehicle is stationary to make more room inside the cab, but adjustable when driving to guarantee improved ergonomics of the central console in terms of reachability and visibility.
The iconic element of the intuitive man-car interface lies in the “Smart Control Unit” (SCU), a 15" multi-touch display, which is both reconfigurable and removable, that in DRIVE function is positioned at the centre of the dashboard and can be adjusted towards the driver, in the OFFICE function is arranged on the passenger side and acts as a touch screen multi-function computer and, lastly, in the HOME function is positioned on the rear wall to make up a sophisticated home automation or domotics control panel.
The “OFFICE” function entails a modern and comfortable work station on the passenger side, where the Smart Control Unit in multi-function computer configuration is contextualised in a desk cabinet with a worktop, drawer unit and drink tray.
This rich work station makes it possible to perform all the typical activities of modern-day offices, which are increasingly part of the driver's everyday tasks.
Another important aspect for on-board well-being is the microclimate. Advanced air control in terms of temperature, speed, humidity and fragrances, is designed to make the driver feel at ease. The Iveco Glider also includes a solution with a dashboard and breathable rear wall, developed in collaboration with Rieter Automotive, to meet the user's need to have a set and constant temperature inside the vehicle without perceiving the flows of air concentrated in tiny areas of the vehicle.
In the “HOME” function, the Iveco Glider meets the needs for leisure time and personal care, which contribute to making the work activity more productive and safe.
For instance, the multi-function box Hotpoint-Ariston “Ivory”, built in conjunction with Indesit Company, focuses and organises in a contained size, all the features of a real kitchen, from the storage of food for preparation, to washing dishes. All this achieved through the use of innovative solutions such as high-efficiency vacuum odour removal and ultra sound technology.
The Sleeping area features a reconfigurable bed thanks to a vertical sliding solution, which means very little space is occupied when it is not in use and allows the bed to be positioned at the desired height when it's time to sleep. Thanks to the pursuit of Total Space Management, the space at the rear can be managed for relaxation, fitness, watching a film or reading, depending on what the user deems to be most important for his or her well-being.
The seats of the Iveco Glider are a concept within a concept, in search of a new-generation object which sees the co-habitation of ergonomics with reconfigurability, style and functionality, the study of materials with the upkeep of continuous performance levels.
The Iveco Glider also features sophisticated styling solutions on the themes of lighting and 3D acoustics.
The interior lighting was designed in conjunction with Artemide to give the users a feeling of well-being and comfort. The styling solution consists of a combination of ambience lighting and spotlights, built using the latest LED technology, which makes for reduced energy consumption, improving performance levels and ensuring a long life. The ambience lighting was designed especially for driving and relaxation. When driving, the ambience lighting aims at keeping the user alert without tiring him or her; during leisure time, it allows users to recover their energy and to get in synch with the vehicle by choosing the lighting colour which best suits their mood. The spotlights on the other hand facilitate reading, information searches, cooking, or all tasks requiring lighting concentrated in the area of the vehicle where the user is interacting.
The Iveco Glider also features an advanced solution, developed in conjunction with Rieter Automotive, for the 3D sound control inside the cab. The technical solution adopted, based on planar electrostatic panels, makes for improved sound quality, its adjustability and it also reduces overall dimensions compared to conventional loudspeakers.
In short, the Iveco Glider is a concept vehicle encapsulating a concentration of innovative solutions to achieve maximum productivity with minimum external effects. It is all inspired by the sustainability of nature, arising from the customer's needs and returning to customers at the Hanover Motor Show, confirming the key role played by customers’ needs behind Iveco innovation.
