SUN-TRANS

SUN-TRANS is a multi-partner, Europe-wide initiative designed to transform urban and commercial fleets by integrating Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV), high-efficiency power electronics, and AI-driven fleet orchestration into electric buses and last-mile delivery vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles and vans account for a disproportionate share of transport emissions—up to 39%—despite numbering far fewer than passenger cars. SUN-TRANS addresses this gap by developing semi-transparent, curved, and colored VIPV modules, designed for both e-bus rooftops and last-mile EVs, backed by advanced encapsulation materials that endure vibration, UV, and harsh climates. These modules pair with multiport, wide-bandgap power converters, ensuring over 98% efficiency under real-world shading and load variations. Partners will demonstrate integrated solutions in three distinct pilot sites—Izmir (Türkiye), Alba Iulia (Romania), and Bilbao (Spain)—covering diverse climates and operational demands. Through an AI-driven platform built on Siemens’s DepotFinity and EnergyIP, SUN-TRANS coordinates real-time solar charging, route optimization, and grid services like peak shaving and demand response, slashing operational costs by up to 30%. By merging cutting-edge technology with streamlined manufacturing (BOZ, MUSO), the project aims to scale VIPV adoption, lowering cycle-time overhead below 5% and meeting UNECE automotive standards for safety and reliability. Life-cycle assessments (AI) confirm eco-efficiency and social acceptance, while municipalities (Izmir, Alba Iulia) and Bizkaigar (Bilbao) validate real-world performance. Ultimately, SUN-TRANS delivers replicable business models (R2M) for public transport and last-mile operators, catalyzing investor interest via robust ROI data and strategic financing pathways. In doing so, SUN-TRANS advances Europe’s transition to low-carbon mobility, unlocking solar’s untapped potential in bus depots and delivery fleets