Seventh EU Framework Programme (FP7)

FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007-2013. FP7 is also designed to respond to Europe's employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life.

The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence.

 

EASYBAT - Easy and Safe Battery Switch in an EV

EASYBAT is part of the first EU Commission supported project for electric cars with switchable batteries. Standardized automobile components and interfaces are developed within the framework of this project. This enables European automobile and battery manufacturers to easily integrate battery switching technology into their electric car platform.

Part of the Seventh EU Framework Program (FP7), EASYBAT is a 2.5 year project, which is expected to run until June 2013. The European Commission will contribute 2.2 million to fund the project.

The project

The EASYBAT solution will consist of interfaces for switching a battery in and out of an electric car quickly and safely; the connector interfaces between the car, the battery, the communications network, and the battery cooling system; and design specifications that meet European industry and safety standards. The solution will be integrated and tested on fully electric vehicles to ensure it meets production-grade manufacturing criteria and European safety standards.

The aim

Upon conclusion, EASYBAT will have a next generation, commercially available solution for battery switch integration components and design plans that allow for different types of batteries, not just a single standardized battery.  Car manufacturers that want to focus on proprietary battery technology can do so and still be able to integrate their technology into a switchable battery electric car platform as envisioned by EASYBAT.