Brussels, Belgium
This year’s RTR Conference brought together leading experts to present the progress and impact of EU-funded road transport projects, offering a valuable space to exchange ideas and connect with initiatives working toward cleaner, smarter and more economically sustainable mobility across Europe.
In the session “Novel concepts for frugal, safe and smart vehicle design”, moderated by Guido Sacchetto (EC DG RTD) and Oliver Lah (Technische Universität Berlin), Nicola Contartese (Virtual Vehicle) presented our approach to making electric mobility both affordable and secure. Our contribution focused on the modular, zero‑emission and scalable L-type vehicle platform we are developing for urban and suburban mobility. Designed with a mission‑centric philosophy, the platform can be adapted to the needs of both advanced and emerging markets. By combining lightweight architecture, portable 48V batteries, scalable electric drivetrains, solar‑roof integration and a flexible configuration tool, we aim to reduce total cost of ownership while improving usability.
The session brought together GIANTS, our sister project ZEV-UP Project and the SALIENT Project and
highlighted a clear trend: next‑generation vehicle design is moving toward an integrated approach where modularity, circularity, safety and digitalisation reinforce one another rather than compete. Together, the three featured projects demonstrated how EU research is shaping a new design space for urban mobility – lighter, more affordable, more adaptable and more sustainable, without compromising safety. It became evident how research and innovation can simultaneously support Europe’s climate ambitions, strengthen industrial competitiveness and keep user needs at the centre of the transition.
You can also watch the full session on YouTube:
