Cities are changing and so is the way we move within them. The EU-funded GIANTS project (Green Intelligent Affordable New Transport Solutions), coordinated by Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, is taking on one of the biggest urban mobility challenges: making electric vehicles affordable, practical and adaptable to the diverse needs.

While ZEV‑UP focuses on frugal, user-centric electric passenger vehicles, GIANTS complements this vision through its modular GIANTS platform, a scalable solution designed for light vehicles (L-vehicles) that can carry passengers, cargo, or both. This platform allows vehicles to adapt to multiple mission needs and diverse urban and regional contexts, making them highly versatile.

Why Cities Need a New Kind of Vehicle

Oversized vehicles dominate streets in cities and towns alike, taking up space, slowing traffic, and posing safety risks. People still need convenient, reliable, and affordable ways to get around. Traditional vehicles either lack versatility or are too costly, too large or too inflexible for everyday urban and suburban use.

Cities are now asking for smarter, smaller and cleaner alternatives that fit into the urban environment rather than fight against it. GIANTS addresses this gap with frugal, flexible and sustainable light vehicles (L-vehicles) that fit different environments and use cases, offering a practical alternative to conventional vehicles.

What Makes GIANTS Different

The GIANTS platform is built around modularity, adaptability, and sustainability:

• Customisable for diverse needs: Vehicles can be configured for passengers, cargo or a combination, making them mission-centric for different urban transport scenarios.
• Innovative charging solutions: Efficient, user-friendly systems reduce downtime and make EV ownership more accessible.
• Solar-powered components: Solar panels enhance energy efficiency and support climate-neutral operation.
• Scalable design: Components can be upgraded over time, extending vehicle life and lowering ownership costs.

This approach ensures that GIANTS vehicles are not only practical but also environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and ready to meet the unique challenges of both emerging and advanced markets.

Living Labs Across the Globe

Real-world testing is a cornerstone of the GIANTS project. Living Labs are being set up across Europe, Asia, and Africa to evaluate vehicle performance in diverse socio-economic and urban contexts.

Overview of the GIANTS Living Labs

These labs provide crucial insights and allow GIANTS to adapt vehicles to different environments, making sure they work not just in one city but anywhere they are needed.

Driving Towards a Sustainable Urban Future

Running until June 2027, GIANTS demonstrates how intelligent design, modularity, and international collaboration can reshape urban transport. By reducing costs, improving air quality, and maximizing flexibility, the project complements initiatives like ZEV‑UP, showing that smarter, greener cities are within reach.

In a world where streets are crowded and climate pressures are rising, GIANTS and ZEV-UP are proving that smaller, smarter, and greener vehicles can make a big difference.