Higher Voltage, Megawatt Charging System compatible, modular powertrain for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) (2ZERO Partnership)

The Horizon Europe grant opportunity titled "Higher Voltage, Megawatt Charging System compatible, modular powertrain for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) (2ZERO Partnership)" focuses on advancing technology and innovation in heavy-duty battery electric vehicles. It is part of the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework and promotes the objectives of the 2ZERO Partnership aimed at achieving zero-emission road transport. This opportunity has a total funding pool of €16 million, available through two grants of €8 million each. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, and public-private partnerships from EU Member States, Associated Countries, and certain third countries with agreements with the EU. The project aims to integrate advanced powertrain technologies that support megawatt charging systems while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing lifecycle costs associated with electric heavy-duty vehicles. Projects under this grant must be at the demonstration stage, focusing on practical implementations that validate high-voltage system integration and energy efficiency improvements. The funding follows a lump sum grant approach, which simplifies financial management for beneficiaries. The application process involves a single-stage submission, with proposals due by April 14, 2027, after the call opens on December 15, 2026. The evaluation process is competitive, with success rates typically ranging from 10-39% within Horizon Europe calls. While co-funding is not mandated, applicants may seek additional funding to enhance project viability. The grant seeks collaborations between various stakeholders, including automotive manufacturers, technology providers, research institutions, and infrastructures for charging to address the challenges of high acquisition costs and inadequate charging facilities. Projects funded will directly contribute to the EU’s broader climate neutrality objectives by advancing the technological frameworks required for sustainable, zero-emission transport solutions.

This is a summary of multiple Horizon Europe funding opportunities related to climate, energy, and mobility, specifically targeting the development and improvement of Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEV). The overarching goal is to address the challenges of cost and fast charging that currently hinder the widespread adoption of these vehicles. The funding opportunities are part of the Horizon Europe Programme, under the call MOBILITY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-03), and are implementing the co-programmed European Partnership on 'Towards zero emission road transport' (2ZERO). Projects funded under these topics will be expected to report their results to the 2ZERO partnership to support the monitoring of its KPIs. The expected outcomes of these projects include: Demonstrated integration potential and modularity of next-level advanced high-voltage systems to benefit the cost of Commercial Vehicles (CV), particularly in the Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV) segment. Improved energy efficiency and higher utilization potential of HDV (ensuring full operational capability for the intended usage models) via high-voltage powertrain configurations. Demonstrated benefits of high-voltage systems also for fast charging and auxiliary components. The scope of the proposed actions involves addressing several key aspects: Simplifying system configurations while ensuring energy efficiency to achieve economies of scale and extend component lifespans. Increasing the voltage (post 800V) to an optimal level for efficiency, affordability, and performance, with compatibility for Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) to support faster charging and reduce charging losses within the vehicle by 10%, while considering modularity and safety. Demonstrating the benefits of high-voltage systems for fast charging and auxiliary components, such as thermal management, including modular interchangeability. Considering modular and removable battery systems to favor second-life applications and enhance sustainability. Developing modular powertrain systems to enable tailored solutions for specific use cases and maintain flexibility by developing and defining relevant hardware and software interfaces. Demonstrating vehicle solutions in relevant environments to ensure effective integration with innovative Electrical/Electronic (E/E) architecture and thermal management strategies. Evaluating life-cycle costs against previous lower voltage systems to identify potential improvements. The general conditions for these funding opportunities include: Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limits and layout are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific provisions may exist for non-EU/non-Associated Countries. Other Eligible Conditions: Projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: The granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after the action's end. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. The application process involves using application form templates available in the Submission System, including a standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and evaluation form templates. Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, and call-specific instructions. Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme, HE Framework Programme, EU Financial Regulation, and rules for legal entity validation. The budget overview for the HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5 call includes several topics with varying budgets, action types, and indicative numbers of grants: HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €24,000,000, Contributions 5,000,000 to €7,000,000, Indicative number of grants 4. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-04: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €13,500,000, Contributions around €13,500,000, Indicative number of grants 1. HORIZON-CL5: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €16,000,000, Contributions around €8,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-06: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €8,000,000, Contributions around €8,000,000, Indicative number of grants 1. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-08: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), Budget €5,000,000, Contributions around €2,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-14: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €6,500,000, Contributions around €6,500,000, Indicative number of grants 1. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-15: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA), Budget €2,000,000, Contributions around €2,000,000, Indicative number of grants 1. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-16: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €15,000,000, Contributions around €7,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-17: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), Budget €14,000,000, Contributions around €7,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18: HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), Budget €20,000,000, Contributions around €10,000,000, Indicative number of grants 2. HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-20: HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), Budget €7,000,000, Contributions around €3,500,000, Indicative number of grants 2. The submission system is planned to be opened on 15 December 2026, and the deadline for submission is 14 April 2027, 17:00:00 Brussels time. In summary, this Horizon Europe call focuses on advancing the technology and reducing the costs associated with Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles. It seeks to improve energy efficiency, charging capabilities, and overall sustainability through innovation in high-voltage systems, modular powertrain designs, and battery technology. The call encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to meet the goals of the 2ZERO partnership and accelerate the transition to zero-emission road transport.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given that this is a Horizon Europe call, eligible applicants typically include a mix of entities such as universities, research institutions, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. The specific eligibility criteria are detailed in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, as indicated by the Type of MGA (Model Grant Agreement) being "HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]". The eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme. Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, Horizon Europe projects often involve consortia to bring together diverse expertise and resources. Partner search announcements are mentioned, suggesting that consortia are common and encouraged. Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is primarily focused on EU member states and associated countries, as indicated by the reference to Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. However, the text also mentions that a number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Target Sector: The primary target sector is mobility, specifically focusing on the development and improvement of Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEV). This includes areas such as energy efficiency, high-voltage systems, fast charging infrastructure, modular powertrain systems, electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, and thermal management strategies. The call falls under the broader thematic area of Climate, Energy and Mobility, as indicated by the reference to HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility. Mentioned Countries: The text mentions EU member states and associated countries as being generally eligible. It also refers to non-EU/non-Associated Countries that may have specific provisions for funding participation in Horizon Europe projects. Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project is at the innovation action stage, as indicated by the "HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions" type of action. This suggests that projects should be beyond the basic research phase and focused on demonstrating and scaling up innovative solutions. Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call. The budget overview provides the following ranges: HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-03: €5,000,000 to €7,000,000 (4 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-04: Around €13,500,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL5: Around €8,000,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-06: Around €8,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-08: Around €2,500,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-14: Around €6,500,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-15: Around €2,000,000 (1 grant) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-16: Around €7,500,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-17: Around €7,000,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-18: Around €10,000,000 (2 grants) HORIZON-CL5-2027-03-D5-20: Around €3,500,000 (2 grants) Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process, as indicated by "single-stage" in the budget overview. Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant to cover eligible costs, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme. Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage, meaning applicants submit a full proposal by the deadline. Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential success rate, which would depend on the number of applications received. Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. Summary: This Horizon Europe call, part of the MOBILITY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-03) call and the 2ZERO Partnership, focuses on advancing technology and innovation in Heavy Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD-BEV). The call aims to address the major challenges of cost and fast charging that are currently hindering the widespread adoption of electric commercial vehicles. The projects should demonstrate the integration potential and modularity of advanced high-voltage systems, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the utilization potential of HDVs. The call encourages projects that simplify system configurations, increase voltage levels for faster charging, demonstrate benefits for auxiliary components, consider modular battery systems, develop modular powertrain systems, and evaluate life-cycle costs. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the application process involves a single-stage submission. The call is open to a range of applicants, including universities, research institutions, SMEs, and large enterprises, primarily from EU member states and associated countries, with some opportunities for non-EU countries. Projects are expected to report their results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) to support the monitoring of its KPIs. The indicative budget and number of grants vary by topic, with individual grants ranging from approximately €2,000,000 to €13,500,000. The planned opening date for submissions is December 15, 2026, and the deadline for submissions is April 14, 2027.