Technology challenge in low carbon vehicles

The Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, is investing up to £16.5m in highly innovative collaborative R&D projects within low carbon vehicles that aim to achieve significant cuts in CO2 from road transport. The technology challenges have been defined by the Automotive Council and are based around the following four technology areas.

• internal combustion engines
• energy storage and energy management
• electric machines and power electronics
• lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures.

Projects must be industry-led and include one lead partner and at least two project partners. Companies working outside the automotive sector that can bring technical expertise and knowledge to a consortium are particularly welcome. We expect total project costs to be between £1m and £5m.

Projects are expected to last between 24 and 36 months. This competition opens on 18 February 2013. The deadline for applicant registration is at noon on 27 March 2013 and the deadline for applications is at noon on 3 April 2013. A briefing event will be held on 26 February 2013, and a networking event to facilitate consortia-building for this competition will be held on 27 November 2012 at the Motor Heritage Centre at Gaydon.