Project

The market for road vehicles is in a state of flux. No longer is the choice only between petrol and diesel, there are now a whole range of options facing the new-car buyer. The next 30 years will see a shift away from purely fossil-fuel-powered vehicles towards EVs and hybrids. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that by 2030 about 50% of new vehicles will feature a downsized IC engine, 40% will be hybrids and only 10% will be fully electric or powered by fuel cells, although electric vehicles in one form or another will dominate the automotive landscape by 2050.

These changes in the vehicle market are having a tremendous impact on NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) because the new component designs and the use of new materials greatly affect how the noise and vibration are conducted through and away from the car or truck. Depending on whether it is a new type of motor, a new system
for transmitting the power or the introduction of new components, the situation can be very different and the problems that arise require specific solutions.

The ECO DRIVE research programme is highly interdisciplinary, involving a whole range of activities from the areas of physics, electronics, materials, signal processing, numerical and mechanical engineering. It is also highly intersectoral and international, involving academic and industrial Participants working in the automotive and related sectors across Europe. By extracting the best opportunities from this multifaceted collaboration between researchers working in different disciplines and sectors we will create an atmosphere of research creativity for the ESRs and give them the knowledge and expertise they need to address the research challenges in the ECO DRIVE project and in their future careers.