Electric motorbike and off-road truck projects granted funding

£43.7 million of joint industry and government funding has been awarded to projects which are developing the latest green auto tech, including electric motorbikes and off-road vehicles.

The two projects have been awarded funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research and Development competition, which supports the development of innovative low carbon automotive technology and will help propel the UK in the global race to secure electric vehicle supply chains.

Project Zero Emission Norton in Solihull, West Midlands is one of the projects. It will receive £17.2 million (£8.5m funding through the APC) to develop an electric motorbike that delivers a high level of race performance and touring range, not only enhancing workforce capabilities and securing local jobs, but helping to strengthen the UK’s competitive supply chain.

OX Delivers CLEAN (Clean Logistics for Emerging African Nations) in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire will receive £17.1 million (£8.5m funding through the APC) to develop an all-terrain electric delivery truck designed for emerging markets and manufactured in the UK that can withstand tough off-road conditions by using long-life, lower cost batteries

The projects are set to secure more than 550 jobs and save 27.6 million tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent of removing the lifetime emissions of 1.1 million cars from the road.

In addition, 19 early-stage proposals that could bolster the UK electric vehicle supply chain have also been awarded funding to research, prove or enhance the case for their scale up, with the potential to create further jobs throughout the country.

The feasibility studies will be backed with £9.4 million in matched government-industry money through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF). Areas to be investigated include the development of EV battery components and the viability of using UK-sourced critical minerals.

Studies awarded funding include Livista Energy Limited in London which is investigating building Europe’s first standalone lithium refining facility capable of producing battery grade lithium.

Another is Nyobolt Ltd in Cambridge which is assessing scale up of the manufacture of high-power battery technology that enables ultra-fast charging without sacrificing the battery’s lifetime or safety.

LTS Transport Solutions in Queenborough meanwhile is exploring the potential of opening a brand-new electric vehicle battery recycling plant in the UK by 2024.