TNO and the Netherlands Transport Research Centre (AVV) have developed the `VVV' (In Dutch: vinden, vertalen en verspreiden) process: find, translate and disseminate. This has been applied to the field of electric vehicles. The core of the methodology is the collection and reporting of technical and transport data using a systematic approach. Different levels are distinguished: the component level, drive concepts, vehicle concepts, transport concepts, and transport systems. In the field of electric vehicles the emphasis is on the combination of drive concepts (electric, hybrid, fuel cell, etcetera) and on transport concepts. On the basis of previously collected data, a number of aspects were judged by both the researchers and the `client'. The judgement focuses on a combination of technical, commercial, energy and environmental aspects. With regard to electric vehicles two drive concepts come to the fore: the series-hybrid application scored highly right across the categories, and fuel cells offer short-term opportunities in a number of market niches. The `VVV' methodology provides an effective way to structure the available information. For other technology bundles, this approach offers a way to integrate technical and transport knowledge and to translate this into policy relevant information.
Abstract