Ecoprogetti Deploys Automated VIPV Production Line for Light Electric Cargo Vehicles with TUX MOBILITY and TNO under the European OPZuid Project

Ecoprogetti is proud to announce that it has been awarded a European OPZuid project, marking an important step forward in the development of sustainable electric mobility.

In collaboration with its partners TUX Mobility and TNO, Ecoprogetti will contribute to the development of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV) for Light Electric Cargo Vehicles (LECVs).

The project focuses on integrating a solar roof into LECVs, enabling vehicles to generate their own renewable energy. This innovation will help reduce dependence on the electricity grid while supporting the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable urban transportation.

Collaboration and Innovation

This project, launched through collaboration between Ecoprogetti, TUX Mobility, and TNO, stands out for its innovative approach and the technical expertise of the consortium. Ecoprogetti, with our experience in designing and manufacturing cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies, has contributed to the development of the integrated solar system for LECV roofs, combining the best practices of the solar energy production industry with the needs of electric mobility.

Ecoprogetti Supplied a flexible VIPV – Vehicle integrated PV Production Line to TUX Mobility for the OPZuid Project, in the Netherlands.

As part of the OPZuid project, Ecoprogetti has provided a complete Customized production line for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to TUX Mobility, our project partner. The line has been specifically designed to support the manufacturing of photovoltaic modules integrated into vehicle structures, enabling the development of solar roofs for light electric cargo vehicles.

Through this contribution, Ecoprogetti has supported the transition from prototype development to scalable manufacturing by providing advanced equipment and production know-how. The supplied line enables the production of the first full-size VIPV solar roof elements, allowing project partners to validate both the product design and the associated manufacturing process under real production conditions.

In addition to delivering the equipment, Ecoprogetti has contributed to the definition and optimization of the manufacturing workflow. Particular attention has been given to improving process efficiency, ensuring production reliability, and enabling cost-effective manufacturing solutions suitable for industrial deployment.

The production line has been designed with a high level of flexibility and automation, allowing it to support continuous manufacturing of VIPV modules while maintaining high quality standards. By integrating automated production solutions and optimized process steps, the system represents a key step toward the realization of a fully automated production line for solar car roof manufacturing.

The objective is to bring to market an innovative solution of solar roofs integrated into light electric cargo vehicles, designed to adapt to different vehicle shapes.

These photovoltaic roofs enable the vehicles to:

• generate part of their own energy
• reduce dependence on the electricity grid
• decrease CO₂ emissions
• contribute to sustainable mobility and the energy transition

Through this activity, Ecoprogetti plays a central role in scaling up the production process developed within the project, supporting the transition from research and prototype validation to industrial-scale manufacturing of VIPV solutions for sustainable electric mobility.

Supporting Partners in the OPZuid Project

The consortium also benefits from the support of key partners such as DHL, the Municipality of Breda, and Fontys University of Applied Sciences, who are working together to promote the transition to a greener and more sustainable future. These partners contribute their expertise in logistics and technological innovation, supporting the adoption of solar solutions integrated into electric mobility.

A Market-Ready Solution

The final outcome of the OPZuid project is a fully operational solar roof, ready to be introduced to the market. This innovative solution will not only increase the energy efficiency of light cargo vehicles but will also help reduce CO2 emissions, offering a concrete response to the demand for more sustainable and independent mobility.

Looking Ahead: Ecoprogetti’s Role in the Future of Electric Mobility

Ecoprogetti is proud to stand alongside visionary partners in a project that will change the future of electric mobility, and we are excited to see our commitment to research and innovation continue to deliver tangible results with a global impact.

For more details on the funding, visit the dedicated project page: OPZuid EFRO 2021-2027