As ZEV-UP progresses in the development of its frugal Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), our partner Ford Otosan, together with Rhoé, the Institute for Transport Studies of the University of Leeds, ICOOR, and Beemobs, has been examining market trends for affordable electric mobility. Their research focuses on the specific characteristics of L-category vehicles and their potential for sustainable mobility. This work is crucial in shaping the project’s technical direction and directly supports the development of the ZEV-UP vehicle.

The partners compared M-category vehicles (such as passenger vehicles or buses for general transport) with the increasingly popular L6 and L7 categories (smaller and lighter 4-wheel quadricycles). The analysis highlighted the growing supply of L-category vehicles and their potential integration with CASE mobility trends, where Connectivity, Automation, Shared services, and Electrification are shaping the future of urban transport. These trends support more efficient, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions, making L-category vehicles an attractive option. The partners also examined the automotive product development cycle using the V-cycle methodology to define vehicle requirements based on the market and user needs, competitors, and current regulations. The analysis found that L-category vehicles offer a promising and sustainable urban mobility solution, with lower infrastructure needs, helping to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

To address diverse user needs, ZEV-UP will focus on developing a modular product family of three vehicle variants:

• A 2-seater passenger vehicle (L6e/L7e)
• A 4-seater passenger vehicle (L7e)
• A 2-seater van (L7e)

All variants will comply with EU Regulation 168/2013, which establishes the administrative and technical requirements for the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles (L-category vehicles). They will feature a modern design with class-leading interior space, enhanced safety, improved range and performance, and an innovative battery swapping solution enabling the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, making them truly future-ready. The ZEV-UP frugal design approach further ensures that essential features meet user expectations while maintaining affordability.

These requirements set a clear foundation for subsequent activities within the project, guiding key areas such as vehicle design, powertrain development, safety, and manufacturing. By establishing and refining the vehicle scope and defining clear KPIs, ZEV-UP ensures the development of a market-viable, technically feasible solution.

These insights will steer the upcoming phases of technical design and development, ensuring that the ZEV-UP vehicle family meets user needs and aligns with market demands for sustainable, urban mobility solutions. Stay tuned for the publication of Deliverable D1.4 “System & Powertrain Requirements” on the ZEV-UP website soon!