NEWSBYTE The UK government has announced a new £20 million commitment to invest in low-carbon vehicle development, low-emission engines, and new energy storage systems.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has been given £20 million ($26.3 million) to invest in technologies that support the development of low-carbon propulsion technologies in the UK and anchor a next-generation supply chain, said the government in an announcement yesterday.
The APC is a 10-year, £1 billion joint government and industry commitment. It’s designed to accelerate the development of low-carbon propulsion technologies, with the aim of making the UK a global centre of excellence for low-emission vehicle development and production.
An open competition for the funding is now being hosted by the government’s technology investment organisation, Innovate UK. Funds could cover up to 70 percent of the winning projects’ costs, said the government.
What they are looking for
The APC is particularly looking for projects that support the UK’s long-term capabilities and supply chain in the design and manufacture of low-emission vehicle technologies.
Projects must help make these capabilities a permanent part of the UK supply chain, said the government, and must be in one or more of the following areas:
- Alternative propulsion systems
- Electric machines and power electronics
- Energy storage and energy management
- Lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
- Thermal propulsion systems
Projects must have a proven technology concept and demonstrate that there is a clear route to market for it. The primary application must be automotive.
The competition opens on 6 August 2018 and the deadline for applications is midday on 3 October 2018.
Projects must be led by a business working in partnership with others, and must include an SME and a vehicle manufacturer or tier-1 supplier.
Projects can last between 18 and 42 months, with total costs ranging between £5 million and £40 million ($6.5 million to $53 million).
Internet of Business says
A briefing event will be held on 16 August 2018, for anyone needing advice on applying for APC funding. Find out more here.