The Nîmes University Institute of Technology is going green!

[Article] - Published on July 28, 2018 under Admissions & Registration, Faculties, Schools, and Institutes

Established in 2010, the SMVE (Electric Vehicle Powertrain Solutions) platform atthe Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) promotes the Institute’s expertise in the field of powertrain technology 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, all departments at our Institute are focused on sustainable development. Within the GEII [1] department, the promotion of clean energy and green engineering fits perfectly with this trend,” explains Jean-François Dubé, director ofthe Nîmes University 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, manufacture, and testing of high-performance electric vehicles,” explains Daniel Matt, head of the platform and an engineering Professor in electric
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At the heart of the Institute, in the 200-square-meter hangar housing the platform, first- and second-year students in the DUT (University Technical Diploma) and professional bachelor’s degree programs are learning to design and build the various components of an electric powertrain (battery, static converters, electromechanical converters, etc.). The atmosphere there is both friendly and serious. Adherence to safety guidelines is essential, as work on electric vehicles is largely carried out while the systems are energized. “Electric karts, in particular, are built here. In fact, that’s the SMVE platform’s original focus. It’s an activity that has quickly diversified to meet demand from 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 about a dozen students from theNîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) to the School Trophy organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SIA). The vehicle won awards for safety, perceived quality, and style at the event 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 winegrowers 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 four times sixty chevaux and a four-hour operating range for plowing. A vehicle that is now a source of pride for the students (and alumni!) of the GEII Department at the Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) and which is eagerly awaiting its prompt release on the market for large-scale distribution to organic wine producers here and abroad. A word to the wise…

Key Figures

• 27,700 m² on 5 ha
• 1,167 students from 15 countries
• 90, Professors , and teachers
• 46 administrative and technical staff members
• 219 professionals
• 5 DUTs and 14 professional bachelor's degrees
• 219 professionals
• 5 departments: GC, GEII, GMP, GEA, SGM

Keywords: Environment, Students, Training, IUT