What the HELIOS Project Is All About
The HELIOS project is shaking up the world of urban electromobility with its high-performance modular battery packs designed specifically for sustainable city transport. Backed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, HELIOS focuses on creating innovative, lighter, and eco-friendly hybrid Li-Ion battery packs tailored for mid-size electric vehicles and city buses. It’s not just about batteries; it’s about pushing Europe to the forefront of clean and digital economy transitions by boosting the automotive sector’s competitiveness globally. The project takes a holistic circular approach, combining advanced materials, Big Data, and cutting-edge ICTs to deliver battery packs that promise better autonomy, faster charging, enhanced safety, and a smaller carbon footprint. In short, HELIOS is crafting the future of electric mobility, one modular battery at a time.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
HELIOS isn’t just talk—it’s packed with ambitious goals and impressive targets that could redefine urban electric transport:
- Increase energy density of Li-ion battery packs by reducing weight by 30% and volume by 20%, boosting overall fleet performance.
- Ultra-fast charging capabilities with minimal degradation, aiming for over 90% roundtrip efficiency and 25% shorter recharge times.
- Extend electric vehicle calendar life to around 20 years, targeting 300,000 km in real driving conditions.
- Improve circular economy processes across manufacturing, assembly, disassembly, and recycling, including second-life battery applications.
- Cut CO2 emissions by optimizing recharging schedules and tracking the carbon footprint of EV fleets, enhancing sustainability.
Driving Circular Economy in Battery Technology
One of the standout features of HELIOS is its commitment to the circular economy. The project dives deep into eco-design and process optimization to ensure that every stage—from manufacturing to recycling—minimizes environmental impact. By developing modular, scalable battery packs, HELIOS supports easier reuse and recycling, which is a game-changer for reducing waste and conserving resources. Plus, it’s validating new functionalities for second-life batteries, giving these power sources a fresh lease on life beyond their initial use. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps build a robust Pan-European supply chain that’s sustainable and economically viable.
Collaborative Innovation Across Europe
The HELIOS consortium is a powerhouse of expertise, bringing together 18 partners, including top technical universities, research institutes, innovative SMEs, and industrial leaders. More than half of these partners specialize in modelling, process design, and prototype testing, ensuring that the project’s innovations are grounded in solid science and practical application. The industrial partners contribute their manufacturing know-how and business savvy, helping to bridge the gap between research and market-ready solutions. This collaboration fosters a vibrant ecosystem where car manufacturers and high-tech SMEs can join forces to push the boundaries of battery technology and urban electromobility.
Project Work Packages: A Roadmap to Success
HELIOS is structured into clear, focused work packages that cover every aspect of the project’s development:
- WP1: Defining requirements, materials, and system specs (M1-M12)
- WP2: Eco-design of modular EV battery packs (M6-M30)
- WP3: Thermal Management System development (M6-M36)
- WP4: Battery testing and modelling (M4-M36)
- WP5: Battery Management System for performance and carbon footprint (M6-M39)
- WP6: Software development and ICTs (M18-M40)
- WP7: System integration and pilot prototype validation (M30-M48)
- WP8: Circular Economy approach and impact analysis (M24-M48)
- WP9: Communication, dissemination, and exploitation (M1-M48)
- WP10: Coordination and project management (M1-M48)
- WP11: Ethics requirements (M1-M48)
This well-organized structure ensures that every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, driving the project toward its ambitious goals.
HELIOS Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by improving battery efficiency and promoting renewable energy use.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through fostering innovation in battery technology and manufacturing.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by enabling cleaner, more efficient urban transport solutions.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – via circular economy principles in battery lifecycle management.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing CO2 emissions associated with electric vehicle fleets.
Target Markets and Future Prospects
The technologies and processes developed by HELIOS are set to make waves across several key markets. Mid-size EV fleets—think car-sharing, taxis, company and delivery fleets—stand to benefit hugely from lighter, longer-lasting batteries with faster charging times. The electric bus sector will also see improvements in performance and sustainability. Beyond vehicles, stationary energy storage and battery recycling industries will gain from the project’s innovations. Battery Management System producers will find new opportunities to enhance their products with HELIOS’ advanced designs and data protocols. Altogether, HELIOS is paving the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable urban mobility future.
