Odyssee's concept was derived from the VDS Group T Team, the Flemish section of the international Vehicle Design Summit university network. The project is managed by eleven master students’ electro-mechanics from GROUP T - International University College Leuven. Our goal is to develop an innovative electric drivetrain, which will be compatible with any vehicle. The development of this drivetrain will not be possible without the support and help of different companies, universities and governmental organizations.

Short-term goals

Development of an electric drivetrain

We want to design, analyze and optimize an electric drivetrain. Designing and testing our innovative electric engine, a switched reluctance motor (SRM) is our focus.

Integration in a car

The focus is also on the integration of the different components: batteries, SRM, charger, transmission and an efficient control system to manage everything. During the design faze we will focus on sustainability, reliability and efficiency. All the different subsystems will be integrated, starting from the chassis of a Citroën 2CV. This 2CV will be renamed ‘Odyssee’. The Odyssee is a first test case for our drivetrain.

Participating in sustainability events

To give the Odyssee media attention we will participate in different events. The Clean Mobility Week in Zolder (5-9 May 2010) is a first opportunity to show our green technology. Furthermore we plan to participate in the 24h24’ for 2CVs in Spa-Francorchamps. This race will take place in October 2010.

Long-term goals

In the long run we will continue our research on the SRM and other innovative technologies. We will keep optimizing the entire drivetrain. To promote the flexibility and applicability of our drivetrain we will incorporate it in a more modern vehicle.