APC awards £26m funding for low carbon development projects

More than £26 million funding has been awarded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), in association with Innovate UK, to three UK-based consortia to develop new low carbon powertrain technologies.

Led by Ford, GKN and Jaguar Land Rover, the projects will deliver competitive e-machine manufacturing capability, re-skilling of workforces and a stronger supply chain capable of producing the next generation of vehicles here in the UK.

The projects, which are worth £53 million including the grant funding through the APC, are forecast to save more than 11 million tonnes of CO2.

Each will focus on developing the UK’s e-mobility capabilities, from developing electric powertrain components to advanced manufacturing processes for EV components.

On of the projects is led by Ford’s UK based Global Manufacturing Engineering team and will focus on working with machine tool supply chain partners to develop processes and equipment for production of ultra-high volume next-generation electrified powertrain systems.

This will include the development of new digitisation tools for both the design, operation and monitoring of manufacturing plants.

GKN will look at the development of future generation eDrive system platforms, utilising high-speed eMachines and advanced high-speed power electronics, in conjunction with Nottingham University. This project aims to further grow UK capability in the design and manufacture of eMachines and Power electronics.

Jaguar Land Rover will be leading an exciting research project to develop future state of the art electric hybrid vehicle systems, in conjunction with universities and businesses across the UK. The project aims to significantly improve the vehicle system efficiency through utilisation of innovative electronic systems and componentry

Ian Constance, chief executive of the APC, said: “The eighth round of APC funding marks our first investment of 2018 and comes at a crucial time for the UK automotive industry – when it must continue to invest in the latest innovations to remain at the forefront of low emission development.

“These projects build upon the current APC portfolio and demonstrate how UK companies are driving greater electrification into future vehicles, while standing to create or safeguard nearly 1,500 jobs supporting next-generation electrified powertrains.”