TransEco Research Programme (2009-2013)

Promoting energy efficiency and emission-reducing technologies for road traffic

Finland and the other EU countries are committed to significantly improve energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in road traffic by 2020. VTT (The Technical Research Centre of Finland) is coordinating the five-year TransEco Research Programme (2009-2013), which aims to enhance the energy efficiency of road traffic in Finland, develop technologies that reduce emissions, and commercialise the resultant developments. The development of electric and hybrid cars is a major element of the programme.

The main objectives of the TransEco programme are to enhance energy use and promote the adoption of technologies that exploit renewable energy sources in the form of biofuels or green electricity.

VTT will particularly focus on the usability of electric and hybrid cars in different conditions, including low temperatures. Other partners involved in the project with VTT and Motiva include Fortum and Finnish Electric Vehicle Technologies Ltd.

Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is running a separate programme that aims to develop a new electric power system for vehicles and powered tools. Demonstrations will be conducted in an innovative electrically powered sports car known as ERA, designed in collaboration with the Lappeenranta University of Technology and the Lahti Institute of Design. The project will also test potential rapid recharging systems for electric cars.

The University of Oulu is meanwhile developing a set of vehicle information systems designed to improve energy efficiency and service levels.

The Finnish Technology Funding Agency Tekes has contributed two million euros of funding towards the costs of the TransEco research programme during the period 2009- 2011. The programme is also being funded by other governmental authorities, the municipal sector and enterprises. TransEco is networked with other projects and experts working under the EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

More information:

VTT

Senior Research Scientist Matti Kytö, Person in charge
phone 020 722 5513, matti.kyto@vtt.fi

Research Engineer Kimmo Erkkilä, projektipäällikkö
Phone 020 722 5232, kimmo.erkkila@vtt.fi

Research Professor Nils-Olof Nylund
Phone 020 722 5518, 0400 703 715
nils-olof.nylund@vtt.fi

Motiva Oy

Communications Director Jochim Donner
Phone 0424 281 211, jochim.donner@motiva.fi

Manager Vesa Peltola
Phone 0424 281 244, vesa.peltola@motiva.fi