Toyota launches battery development consortium in the UK
Funding for the consortium comes from the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme and will be distributed via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. The DRIVE35 programme was introduced earlier this year and aims to support the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, with a total funding pool of £2.5 billion running until 2035.
To start, the government is funding this initiative with £15 million, matched by Toyota, bringing the total to 30 million pounds. The feasibility study will encompass a range of areas, including an integrated solar roof and enhanced digital connectivity. The study will also evaluate solutions to optimise circularity through the use of recycled lightweight, sustainable materials. In addition, the potential for component commonisation with ELM’s lightweight last-mile solution will also be assessed. Drawing inspiration from the FT-Me concept, “the study builds on the positive public response to the concept’s design and purpose.”
“We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important feasibility study. This funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility,” said Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of TMUK. “The project acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen the capabilities of our members.”
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, further added: “APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed and tested in the UK.”
0 Comments