10004779Electric Module for Low Flat Floor (EMLoFF) for MCVs and Semi TrailersClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKTetra Design Services successfully designed a low floor suspension and chassis for O4 trailers as part of an IDP15 feasibility study in collaboration with Clairvaux Ltd. Project EMLoFF seeks to extend the benefit of low floor suspension with the addition of a near-wheel electric drive to N2, N3 category goods vehicles and O4 trailers. Current EVs in these categories are focused on to convert existing vehicle technology to add electric drive using transverse axles and suspension systems with a single motor or in line wheel motors. Both solutions do not allow a very low flat floor access or usable width of the access. This project aims to overcome all such objections. Project EMLoFF sets out to design a low-floor suspension integrated with electric drive for over 3.5 tonnes GVW vehicles to give the following characteristics. * floor height 300mm from the road surface with standard 17.5" to 22.5" wheels * at least 1600mm clear passage between the wheel arches in the load area * electric drive to the wheels within the suspension arm Low floor height can be achieved by several suspension techniques (such as independent 5-link suspension) but there is normally a compromise in the clear passage between the wheel arches. Similarly, electric drive to the wheels can be achieved by in-wheel drives, but these carry similar penalties. The innovative aspect of the design proposed in this project is to offer all the advantages of a flat low-floor, wide passage between the wheel arches and electric drive to each wheel - a hitherto unachievable combination. The design also allows low floor to be achieved irrespective of wheel & tyre combination meaning that bigger wheels with a higher load rating can be used in lieu of twin wheels which require greater width. The areas of focus are: * Independent Wheel hub unit * Drive mechanism between road wheel and electric motor * Development of suspension arm integrating motor, drive mechanism, wheel hub and braking system * Integration with low floor chassis, batteries and power electronics * Detailed finite element analysis of suspension and frame to ensure it will satisfy the rigours of life in service for a minimum of 10 years. The outputs from the project will be a detail design of an independent electric drive mechanism integrated on the vehicle suspension arm with set of detailed CAD models, stress analysis, commercial case analysis and a clear route to commercialisation through a follow-up Prototype & Demonstration project.