#WeDrive2Zero: Interview with Damian Backes, Pillar 1 Co-Leader

Please briefly introduce yourself.

My name is Damian Backes and I work as the Chief Engineer for Energy Management & Drivetrains at the Institute for Automotive Engineering of RWTH Aachen University. My team focuses on the energetics in vehicles, addressing powertrain, thermal management and the E/E (Electrical and Electronic) system. Our goal is to develop sustainable, efficient solutions that optimise energy use across the entire vehicle system and beyond, whether it is a micro mobility solution or a heavy-duty truck. By integrating these domains holistically, we can leverage synergies and increase efficiency, to support the transition towards a greener and smarter transport system.

Why did you apply to be a 2Zero co-leader?

I applied as co-leader of Pillar 1, “Vehicle technologies and propulsion solutions for BEV and FCEV” because the 2Zero Partnership’s aim towards zero tailpipe emissions aligns perfectly with my vision of a sustainable mobility system. I am eager to contribute with research insights on challenges that need solving, particularly in optimising the energy use in the vehicle. More efficient vehicles enable users to meet their mobility needs with fewer resources, accelerating the uptake of sustainable mobility solutions. In a world where renewable, clean energy is still a scarcity, we have to make the best use of it.

Can you provide a brief overview of the technology area “Energy efficiency” and its importance?

This technology area encompasses a diverse range of projects, spanning component-level and technology-driven initiatives up to their integration into vehicles and the overall energy management systems. Just to name a few projects, CliMAFlux, VOLTCAR, MAXIMA, PowerDrive and SCAPE, among many others, focus on developing efficient next-generation electric powertrain technologies. In addition to making components more efficient, these projects also tackle the reduction of raw materials use, targeted re-use and recycling, to lay the groundwork for a circular economy.
Other projects, such as NextETRUCK, ESCALATE, Enlighten and HiVEP, build on these component-level innovations to create energy-efficient solutions for the full spectrum of sustainable mobility.
Of course, the goal is not just the optimisation of the technology in itself, but to provide the best experience for the users, which explains why projects such as EFFEREST or MINDED specifically target user demands in their energy management strategies.

How does this technological area reflect the strategic vision and priorities of 2Zero?

Electric mobility and, accordingly, energy efficiency are, of course, at the very heart and the name of the 2Zero Partnership. Thus, many of the initiatives under 2Zero funding relate to vehicle technologies, especially as the individual components are not isolated but operate as a system. Therefore, many of the topics are also reflected with a high priority in the SRIA (Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda) of the Partnership. Also, considering the objectives we set ourselves and which reflect the challenges that we face in transforming the mobility sector, many aspects directly relate to the technological area: whether it is a carbon neutral road transport system or leadership for EV technologies — none of these is possible without the innovations for energy efficient vehicles provided by the projects funded under the topics in this Pillar. Also, specific targets, such as making these solutions affordable and sustainable, reflect the in-vehicle technologies: there is the need to improve design and operation to achieve 2Zero’s goals without sacrificing resource usage and environmental impacts, so our Pillar is linked to all other 2Zero Pillars as well.

Are there any outcomes or relevant achievements worth highlighting?

While there are just too many achievements across the domains of the vehicle, there is another aspect of success that I am happy to share: usually, and this will still be true for many innovations from our projects, there is a timeline of several years between the end of the project, with technologies at TRL 6 or 7, and a product on the market. However, some solutions have gained traction more quickly and are already part of available products; they have even found their way into vehicles that will soon hit the streets, thus making those vehicles more efficient. This quick uptake shows the importance of the 2Zero projects, both regarding the innovation but also the collaboration, so as to shorten the gap between research and market introduction.

Do any energy efficiency topics in the SRIA remain unaddressed by running projects or those called for in WPs 2025–2026-2027?

While many SRIA aspects are already covered, the pursuit of efficiency is an ongoing journey. There is always room to refine and improve vehicle efficiency further. However, this must balance with user-centric factors, such as comfort, and specific use cases. The current projects address these needs, but the integration of user preferences and adaptive operating strategies remains a dynamic area, requiring continuous evolution. The gaps, such as balancing efficiency with varying user demands and adaptive operating strategies, are already being addressed through the current Work Programme, to ensure that solutions are not only efficient but also tailored to user needs and evolving conditions.

What key topics related to energy efficiency should be prioritised in FP10 to support a wider adoption of electric mobility?

Especially as an increased efficiency translates to less resource demand thus more affordable EVs, this should obviously continue in FP10, to accelerate the uptake of electric mobility further. This includes refining adaptive and predictive strategies to align with user preferences, component ageing and environmental conditions in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Prioritising data-driven approaches, whether conventional optimisation or Artificial intelligence (AI), will help to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility even more, by making EVs more affordable, efficient and user-friendly.

Which European initiatives and goals are mainly addressed by this technology area?

This technology area directly supports key EU policies, from the Green Deal to the Automotive Action Plan. By advancing electrical mobility, energy efficiency and user-centric operation, it aligns with the EU’s goal of achieving zero tailpipe emissions in road transport and making sustainable mobility accessible, affordable and scalable in order to achieve the CO2 targets. Particularly during the transition phase, when renewable energy availability is limited, it is essential to maximise its use to maintain efficiency and affordability in the present while mitigating the negative impacts of fossil fuels for future generations.