Revolutionizing Urban Safety: Multi-functional L7 Vehicles with Enhanced Safety
摘要
The REFLECTIVE project focuses on developing a versatile L7e heavy quadricycle designed for urban transportation of people and goods. Safety is a top priority, given traditional quadricycles’ safety concerns. Weight limits imposed by the L-category classification pose a challenge, necessitating the use of sustainable materials to reduce weight, improve energy efficiency, and extend the vehicle's range. Versatility is a key design principle, which is intended to meet a variety of use cases and requirements. However, due to current regulations, it is not possible to homologate the same vehicle for passenger and freight transport (L7e-CP ≤ 450 kg and L7e-CU ≤ 600 kg). The current type-approval only allows for one of the uses. However, the vehicle intends to give both options of use to explore what this would mean in terms of design. L7e heavy quadricycles are gaining popularity for their economic and eco-friendly features. Yet, safety concerns persist, prompting action. The Euro NCAP campaign evaluated safety performance in heavy quadricycles, revealing significant disparities among models. In response, the REFLECTIVE project is enhancing safety by strengthening vehicle structures and improving occupant restraint systems. These measures address crash risks, reduce potential injury severity, and enhance overall occupant safety, making quadricycles safer for urban use.