Alternative propulsion, lightweight vehicles and energy storage are key focus areas for the government’s latest round of Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) competition funding.

Up to £35m in collaborative research and development funding is available through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK.

Grant-funded projects must develop technology that leads to significant reductions in vehicle CO2 or other emissions and help develop the UK’s supply chain capability in low-carbon vehicle propulsion or light-weight systems technology.

Projects must demonstrate the development of technologies based around one or more of the following technology areas:

  • Thermal propulsion systems
  • Lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
  • Electric machines and power electronics
  • Energy storage and energy management
  • Alternative propulsion systems

Projects will range in size from total costs of £5m to £40m and should last between 18 and 42 months.

Collaboration is essential and partnerships must include at least one vehicle manufacturer and/or a major supplier as part of the consortium, and at least one SME partner.

Registrations must be received by 29 March, with applications in by 5 April.

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