IRSEEM (ESIGELEC Research Institute) and CEVAA will work with regional bodies, including the Dieppe small-medium size business Biocar, to design and make a 4-seat electric car with an extendable battery life system by 2015. How did the project come about? Set against a backdrop of alternative forms of energy and the increase in electric vehicles, the major obstacles are battery life and charging points. The VIRTUOSE challenge is to optimise energy consumption and improve the electric vehicle’s autonomy.

The research teams plan to develop prototype for an electric vehicle for city use (for use outside the city on rare occasions) which is "intelligent" as it provides the driver with the best method of recharging batteries in a given situation and environment within a 3 year time frame. This intelligence uses inter-vehicular communication and environment perception systems to consider external factors such as the nearest charging points, availability, traffic conditions etc.

With this project, IRSEEM hopes to increase its research promotion activities in the automobile sector using the CISE’s experimental methods (Embedded Systems Integration Campus) for the chance to file patents and increase its influence in the scientific community. Its role in the collaborative project involves orchestrating and modifying electric vehicles, creating systems for energy management, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication in line with electromagnetic compatibility regulations. IRSEEM will also be responsible for certifying the prototype’s energy performance using its rolling road (4 motorised wheels).

The Haute-Normandie Region has acknowledged the relevance of the VIRTUOSE project by providing up to 50% in funding with a total budget of 1,200,000 Euros. The first meeting was held at the beginning of June with all members to clearly outline each member’s role, the work schedule and lay the foundations for a consortium agreement.

Contact : Nicolas Langlois, Head of the Automatics & Systems Department, nicolas.langlois@esigelec.fr