User-centric design and operation of EV for optimized energy efficiency (2ZERO Partnership)

The 'User-centric design and operation of EV for optimized energy efficiency' program seeks to fund a diverse range of applicants across the European Union and Associated Countries, all contributing to the overarching goal of transforming road transport towards zero-emission mobility. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance EV affordability, energy efficiency, and user experience through innovative design and advanced operational strategies.

This program supports innovation actions focused on the user-centric design and operation of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to enhance energy efficiency. Projects should address the entire lifecycle of EV energy management, from design to real-world operation, integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital twins. The eligible sectors are broad, covering clean mobility, sustainable transport, and the automotive industry, with a focus on cutting-edge solutions for efficient EV systems. Funding rates vary based on the type of entity, supporting significant advancements in the field.

This funding program provides financial support in the form of grants under the Horizon Europe framework. For this specific topic, a total budget of 15,000,000 € was allocated for three expected grants. The financial contributions per project are substantial, with funding rates designed to support both profit and non-profit organizations in their innovative endeavors.

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to strict conditions regarding application admissibility, eligibility, financial capacity, and operational capacity, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Specific rules also apply to the use of EU satellite systems and data protection, ensuring responsible and compliant project implementation.

The application process for this program followed a single-stage submission, with a defined deadline in April 2023. Evaluation and award criteria, along with detailed procedural steps, are comprehensively outlined in official Horizon Europe documentation to guide applicants through the submission and selection phases.

The 'User-centric design and operation of EV for optimized energy efficiency' program is firmly rooted in the robust legal framework of the European Union's Horizon Europe program. Its operations are governed by a series of foundational regulations and specific work programmes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with broader EU policy goals for research and innovation.