Government pumps £10million into low carbon vehicle project
The Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have announced plans to invest £10million in sixteen different research projects in a bid to put the UK at the forefront of low carbon vehicle technology.
The sponsored projects will focus on ultra lightweight engine designs, advanced battery management systems and the next generation of electric motors.
"This new government investment is another step for the UK towards a low carbon economy," said Minister for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk. "Developing such highly innovative strategic technologies is vital if we are to mass produce low carbon vehicles in the UK and make this country a more attractive location for sustained investment by global vehicle manufacturers and suppliers."
The consortia developing the technologies will be lead by Advanced Composites Group, Axon Automotive, Bladon Jets, Cobham CTS, Jaguar, Leyland Trucks, Magnomatics, Morgan Motor Company and The Manufacturing Technology Centre.
"Through our low carbon vehicle integrated delivery programme, we aim to integrate the low carbon vehicle innovation chain in the UK from the science base through collaborative R&D to fleet level demonstration," commented Iain Gray, chief executive of the TSB. "By investing in such cutting edge development, we are driving forward low carbon vehicle innovation in a range of strategically important areas for the UK.
