Project objectives:

Heavy-duty vehicles and vans account for a disproportionate share of transport emissions – up to 39% – despite being far fewer than cars. SUNTRANS addresses this gap by developing VIPV modules. semi-transparent, curved and colored, designed for both e-bus roofs and last-mile electric vehicles, supported by advanced encapsulation materials that can withstand vibrations, UV rays and adverse weather conditions.

These modules are combined with wideband multiport power converters, which guarantee efficiency exceeding 98% even in the presence of shading and load variations under real-world conditions. The partners will demonstrate the integrated solutions at three separate pilot sites—Izmir (Turkey), Alba Iulia (Romania), and Bilbao (Spain)—covering diverse climates and operating requirements. Through an AI-based platform built on Siemens DepotFinity and EnergyIP, SUNTRANS coordinates real-time solar charging, route optimization, and grid services such as peak shaving and demand response, reducing operating costs by up to 30%.

Combining cutting-edge technologies with optimised production processes (BOZ, MUSO), the project aims to scale VIPV adoption, reducing the overhead production cycle below 5% and respecting UNECE automotive standards in terms of safety and reliability.

Le life cycle assessments (Ambiente Italia) will confirm eco-efficiency and social acceptability, while municipalities (Izmir, Alba Iulia) and Biscaygar (Bilbao) will validate performance under real-world conditions. Finally, SUNTRANS will provide replicable business models (R2M) for public transport and last-mile operators, stimulating investor interest through robust ROI data and strategic financing avenues.

In this way, SUNTRANS aims to contribute to Europe's transition to low-carbon mobility by unlocking the untapped potential of solar power in bus depots and delivery fleets.