The transition to sustainable mobility is accelerating as new propulsion and steering technologies take off. The decarbonisation of maritime transport, with the development of wind propulsion as well as hydrogen and electric transport, is redefining the design and use of vehicles. Artificial intelligence is driving the development of autonomous vehicles that are safer and more efficient.
These innovations are accompanying the shift towards cleaner, connected and smarter mobility solutions that benefit both local communities and the planet.
Centrale Nantes is working alongside industry leaders to convert the internal combustion engines of light commercial vehicles to hydrogen propulsion. The school’s research teams are contributing through the development of digital models and tests on a real prototype engine to optimize engine architecture and technical applied solutions, aiming to enhance performance and reduce emissions. A prototype vehicle has already been tested in Germany.
Wind propulsion, a key issue in maritime decarbonisation, is at the heart of the PropVelBa project being carried out in the Centrale Nantes test tanks. The aim is to develop a digital emulator capable of reproducing the aerodynamic forces of different systems (rigid sails, Flettner rotors, kites, etc.). Coupled with a physical model in the tank, this innovative device will enable performance to be evaluated and optimised under realistic conditions.
The project aims to design, build and operate the first container ship powered by hybrid sail/synthetic fuel that will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 50% by 2026 and which is adapted to an established market.
