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In the context of CO2 emissions reduction, investigations are currently made in various directions among the automotive sector: internal combustion engine efficiency improvement, downsizing, electrification, vehicle weight reduction. Meanwhile, a new type of vehicle is emerging in the automotive sector. This study analyses the perspectives and limitations of a low voltage electric vehicle (<60V), with only two people capacity. One of the main challenges of this new type of vehicle is to identify the best suited powertrain architecture, given the different constraints and needs (power, mass, acceleration, range, etc.). With the advantage of reducing the safety constraints linked to high voltage applications, but at the expense of higher currents when power level increases, a proper powertrain components sizing is mandatory, therefore limiting the advantages of such architecture.

Due to its strong reliance on oil products, the transport sector is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. To achieve long term targets proposed by recent regulations related to climate change measures, several studies are being conducted to reduce GHG emissions in road freight transport. In this context, hybrid vehicle technologies, already well developed for passenger cars and vans, have demonstrated a good potential of reducing fuel consumption also in medium and heavy-duty applications. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen have also demonstrated to be a good option to help reducing petroleum use and still ensure optimal performance. This study presents the feasibility of different hybrid architectures as counter options to a conventional long-haul truck powertrain, not only in terms of fuel economy but, in addition, from an economic point of view.