UK Automotive Projects Receive £60m Funding Boost

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has recently revealed the successful recipients of the latest Collaborative Research and Development funding round. This funding encompasses a diverse array of automotive projects, ranging from demonstrators to feasibility studies, with a particular focus on advancing electronics, smart software systems, design tools, and sustainable materials. The UK Department for Business and Trade has allocated a grant of £29.6 million as part of the overall £59.9 million (€71 million) project funding, which includes notable companies such as Protean Electric, Jaguar Land Rover, and Cummins.

According to Ian Constance, the CEO of APC, the collaborative environment fostered by involving academic institutions and small companies offers benefits that extend beyond financial support. He expressed anticipation for the outcomes of these projects in the coming years. One of the highlighted projects is HexaGaN, led by Microchip Technology in Caldicot, Wales. This £5 million initiative aims to develop high-efficiency power modules for next-generation inverter systems, addressing critical gaps in the UK's power electronics supply chain.

Another significant project, SCALE-UP, is focused on Sustainable Composite for Automotive and Low-Emission UK Production, spearheaded by Jaguar Land Rover. This venture seeks to implement high-volume applications of lightweight and circular composite technologies within the automotive industry. Meanwhile, the PULSE project at Protean Electric, with a budget of £11 million, is dedicated to enhancing UK manufacturing capabilities for power-electronics products.

Furthermore, Cummins is leading PROJECT UNITY, a £5 million endeavor aimed at optimizing materials for hydrogen powertrain products. This project incorporates a digital analysis tool to facilitate the design of highly reliable and durable components. The collective goal of these initiatives is to drive innovation and sustainability within the automotive sector, positioning the UK as a leader in advanced propulsion technologies.

Additionally, the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator competition (ARMD3) has selected successful applicants who now have 12 months to deliver innovative products, systems, or vehicles. These projects include the development of electric trucks for essential services, last-mile delivery solutions, premium e-motorcycles, and advancements in powertrains and material recycling. The significant investment of £18.3 million from both industry and government underscores the commitment to accelerating the transition towards zero-emission automotive solutions.