PERTE VEC - Innovation in Mobility: Beyond the Electric Vehicle

At the forefront of automotive transformation, the PERTE Electric and Connected Vehicle (VEC) Project represents much more than a technological evolution: it is a revolution toward a comprehensive understanding of transport, which will inevitably be connected and intelligent.

Three verticals stand as fundamental pillars of the project’s structure:

• Research into the use of 5G networks for the design of digital twins
• Environmental laboratory
• Research on requirements and the design of methodologies and tools for the development and validation of safe, connected, and automated vehicles

Vehicular communication use cases evolve from basic warning functions (Day 1) to highly automated and cooperative capabilities (Day 3). This progression demands continuous improvements in network infrastructure, with 5G playing a key role as an enabler. For the most advanced use cases to become viable, it is not enough to have ready vehicles: a complete ecosystem of RSUs, OBUs, TMCs, and orchestration platforms must evolve in parallel with 5G networks. Only a comprehensive and collaborative approach will unlock the full potential of vehicular communication.

In full alignment with PERTE VEC’s recommendations, IDIADA has deployed a complete testing ecosystem, including 5G and C-V2X networks, MEC servers, and a C-ITS platform fully developed in-house. This setup enables the execution of the necessary tests and trials to validate the future of vehicular connectivity and to carry out the activities planned in the PERTE VEC project.

Regarding the Environmental Laboratory, the project is in an advanced stage of development, having successfully completed the phases of phenomena characterization and safety benefit analysis. The current focus is on evaluating testing capabilities and developing recommendations for testing methodologies under adverse weather conditions.

The research has progressed toward the development of potential protocols that integrate both physical and simulation-based testing, acknowledging the need for complementary approaches to address the complexity of weather phenomena and their combined effects on ADAS/AD systems.

The third vertical of PERTE VEC has focused on how connectivity can enhance vehicle safety. In this regard, Euro NCAP continues to expand its impact on vehicle safety with a robust program for 2025, which includes a wide range of vehicles and new categories such as heavy commercial vehicles. The organization maintains a growing network of specialized laboratories and expert inspectors to ensure rigorous and consistent evaluations. International collaboration, as demonstrated by alignment with ANCAP in Australia, highlights the global approach to improving automotive safety standards.

Euro NCAP remains a key catalyst for driving significant improvements in the safety design of new vehicles, helping European consumers make informed decisions about safety when purchasing new cars.