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Electrical Retrofit of a Minicar
Published on 10 March 2020
Italy
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About this good practice
In the framework of the circular economy, University of Calabria together with its spin-off Consortium called "CRETA" retrofitted a minicar destined to the demolition. The minicar was firstly reversed from the engineering point of view and then a 10kW electric motor along with 32 LiFePO4 cells was mounted. Thanks to the experience of retrofitted e-minicar, University of Calabria experimented: new education and training of technical experts, development of new business models, local and employment development, the promotion of environmental protection measures.
Stakeholders: University of Calabria, Italy (Education) Consorzio Regionale per l'Energia e la Tutela Ambientale, Italy (no profit).
Stakeholders: University of Calabria, Italy (Education) Consorzio Regionale per l'Energia e la Tutela Ambientale, Italy (no profit).
Expert opinion
In the next few years retrofitting will become essential to achieve the long-term decarbonisation targets for the transport sector enshrined in the European Green Deal. The commercialisation of newly registered zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) will need in fact to be accompanied by the implementation of measures for cleaning existing fleets, including the one composed by minicars fueled by conventional powertrains. The good practice at hand is certainly replicable and may inspire other academic and technical institutions as well as regional policymakers to support skills training for facilitating the retrofit of vehicles that would otherwise be scrapped.
Resources needed
250.000 €
4 FTE
4 FTE
Evidence of success
Minicar was retrofitted by replacing the original oil engine with an electric motor with equivalent power and torque. LIFEPO4 batteries have been used and sited in a 3 mm thick steel metal container. Tests carried out verified the stability of the vehicle and other tests have been programmed to verify energy consumption, range and potential alternative chargers for a faster recharge. Second life objects are a great opportunity to educate a better society and promote a sustainable development.
Potential for learning or transfer
ease of Implementation: somewhat easy
Impact: very high
Benefit - cost ratio: somewhat high
more information on: https://www.interregeurope.eu/e-mopoli/library/
Impact: very high
Benefit - cost ratio: somewhat high
more information on: https://www.interregeurope.eu/e-mopoli/library/
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
University of Calabria
Italy
Calabria