The Nîmes University Institute of Technology is going green!
Launched in 2010, the SMVE (Electric Vehicle Propulsion Solutions) platform atthe Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) showcases the Institute’s expertise in the field of vehicle propulsion through the design of electric vehicle prototypes. This initiative is aimed at industry players in the sector with a focus on the large-scale commercialization of new clean vehicles. Take a guided tour.
“Just like society as a whole, every department at our Institute is focused on sustainable development. “Within the GEII [1] department, the promotion of clean energy and green mechanics fits perfectly into this trend,” explains Jean-François Dubé, director ofthe Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT). In late 2010, Daniel Matt, head of the GEII department, initiated the creation of a hands-on workspace within the Institute dedicated exclusively to the development of student projects focused on electric propulsion.“ The SMVE (Electric Vehicle Propulsion Solutions) platform specializes in the design, manufacturing, and testing of high-performance electric vehicles,” explains Daniel Matt, head of the platform and Professor Electrical Engineering
.
At the heart of the Institute, in the 200-square-meter hangar housing the platform, first- and second-year students in DUT and professional bachelor’s programs are learning to design and build the various components of an electric powertrain (battery, static converters, electromechanical converters, etc.). The atmosphere is both friendly and serious. Adherence to safety guidelines is essential, as work on electric vehicles is largely carried out while the systems are live. “Electric karts are built here, among other things. In fact, this has been the SMVE platform’s core activity since its inception. It’s an activity that has quickly diversified to meet the demands of industry professionals, ” explains a student, surrounded by various prototypes, as he works intently on his computer.
[1] Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computer Science.
Race car, vineyard tractor…
In 2012, in partnership with theAlès School of Mines At the time, under the guidance of the mechanical engineering department, GEII students were building their first all-electric race car. The project involved a dozen students from theNîmes University of Technology at School Trophy organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The vehicle won awards for safety, perceived quality, and style before being unveiled in Paris at the Paris Motor Show. In 2016, the prototype finally took third place at the Lépine Competition where he won the prestigious National Assembly Award. "The latest vehicle designed on the SMVE platform is an electric vineyard tractor", says Daniel Matt.
In early November, the eco-friendly farm machine was also a huge hit at the International Trade Show for Vineyard and Wine Production Equipment and Expertise (SITEVI). Designed to meet the pressing demand from certified organic farmers seeking to demonstrate greater consistency in their environmental practices, the prototype features an electric motor on each wheel, giving it a phenomenal power output of 120 horsepower and a four-hour operating range for plowing. A vehicle that is now the pride of the students (and alumni!) of the GEII Department at the Nîmes University Institute of Technology and which is eagerly awaiting its imminent release for widespread distribution to organic wine producers here and abroad. A word to the wise…
The IUT as seen by a student
Dylan Briant, 21, a student in the G.U.E.R. vocational bachelor's program
“I’ve been passionate about cars since I was a child, and I showed an interest in auto mechanics at a very young age through repair work, customization, and even improving the performance of motor vehicles. After earning a general science diploma, this hobby led me to enroll inthe IUT in Nîmes, where my two-year DUT program in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing (GEII) allowed me to pursue my studies a career path based on my hobby, allowing me to combine business with pleasure!
This experience—and particularly the many hands-on sessions at the SMVE (Electric Vehicle Powertrain Solutions) – also introduced me to environmental issues and made me more specifically to the need to improve the performance of motor vehicles while ensuring maximum respect for the environment.
I am currently pursuing a professional bachelor’s degree in GUER (Management and Use of Renewable Energy), and I am currently refining my career plan career plan. In line with my two previous degrees, I hope to soon join an automotive company to help design new vehicle models that are both cleaner and more efficient than those already on the market in the booming electric vehicle sector.”
Key Figures
- 27,700 square meters on 5 hectares
- 1,167 students from 15 countries
- 90 Professors Teachers
- 46 administrative and technical staff
- 219 professionals
- 5 DUTs and 14 professional bachelor's degrees
- 219 professionals
- 5 departments: GC, GEII, GMP, GEA, SGM