APC's £30m funding competition aims for zero-emission cars of the future

A competition to find technologies for the zero-emission vehicles of the future will award companies up to £30m.

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), a collaboration between the Government and automotive sector, will fund the development of low-carbon technology with its 10th funding competition.

Money is available for projects developing everything from alternative propulsion systems such as electric or hydrogen, energy storage technology, lightweight vehicle or powertrain structures, and thermal propulsion systems, which manage power delivery to wheels and recover waste energy, storing it chemically.

Previous APC-enabled technologies include a production process for the new Nissan Leaf’s high-capacity 40kWh battery, and low-emissions technology going into Ford’s new 1l EcoBoost engine shortly.

The organisation hopes to find projects which will “significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality,” supporting the UK’s long-term capabilities in the design and manufacture of zero-emissions vehicles.

“The development of low carbon powertrain technology remains crucial to the future success of the UK automotive industry,” said APC chief executive Ian Constance. “This latest round of APC funding, and the innovations it will support, will help to further establish the UK as a leading destination for the development of low carbon technology.”

The competition is open to projects costing £5-£40m, lasting for 18-42 months. Entries are open until midday on 27 June.

For more information, visit the website.