The mobility industry is undergoing a transformative period, driven by the need for innovation, sustainability, and enhanced user experience. We spoke with Thomas Bäuml from AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the Project Leader of MINDED, to discuss the project’s goals, challenges, and potential impact on the future of mobility.

1. Your Institution

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

2. Your full name

Thomas Bäuml

3. What is your role in the project?

Project Leader of MINDED

4. What are the main challenges the mobility industry is facing?

The mobility industry is facing several significant challenges today. One of them is that traditional heating and air conditioning systems are often inefficient. There is a growing need to use systems like heat pumps and localized climate control, for example infrared heating panels.

5. How is the MINDED project responding to these challenges?

The MINDED project is focused on delivering a battery electric IVECO eDaily minibus with 20 % improved range at 0 °C against the 2023 baseline. This is, in combination with other measures, reached by introducing a highly efficient heating system based on infrared heating panels, controlled by an optimised thermal and energy management strategy for improved thermal comfort and reduced energy consumption.

6. What research are you conducting at your institution, and how is it applied in the MINDED project?

Current research at our group at the AIT deals with the optimisation of Heating-, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems and the reduction of the entire energy consumption of electric vehicles.

7. How do you collaborate with other partners in the MINDED project to achieve your goals?

As project coordinator AIT is responsible for a smooth interaction between all partners of the MINDED project. As responsible partner for the development and implementation of the heating system close interaction with the technical project partners who deliver the heating panels, the ECUs and of course the bus are essential for a successfull project.

8. How is your institution benefiting from participating in the MINDED project?

AIT is benefiting a lot from MINDED by building up know-how in the field of efficient heating systems in combination with infrared heating.

9. How do you envision the results of MINDED contributing to a more sustainable world?

The results of the MINDED can make significant contributions to a more sustainable world by addressing key challenges in urban mobility and energy use. For example, efficient HVAC systems and an improved thermal insulation reduce the energy demand for climate control, ensuring that electric minibuses use less energy per trip while maintaining passenger comfort. The technologies and innovations developed in the MINDED project could be adapted to other types of electric vehicles, amplifying their impact across various modes of transport.

10. Looking to the future, what impact do you think the MINDED project will have on the industry and society as a whole?

MINDED has the potential to create transformative impacts on both the transportation industry and society. The project’s focus on efficient climate control will drive innovation in vehicle HVAC systems, benefitting not just minibuses but all electric vehicles. Improved reliability and comfort will make electric minibuses more attractive for urban and regional transit, expanding their market share. Furthermore, reduced energy consumption will lower operational expenses for transport operators, making electric minibuses more economically viable.

11. What do you like to do outside of work? Favourite hobbies or pastimes?

Enjoying time with my wife and kids.