Innovate UK and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) are to invest up to £20 million in technical feasibility studies and collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects to encourage technologies for road vehicles that will deliver significant reductions in CO2 and other emissions.
The automotive sector has made great progress recently in reducing the carbon emissions from its vehicles and achieved its regulatory targets two years early. However, significant challenges remain, with targets for 2020 and beyond being discussed across the European Union. Meeting these targets demands an even greater level of innovation in technology, energy sources and vehicle uses.
We are seeking proposals that focus on one or more of the following:
- electric machines and power electronics
- energy storage and energy management
- lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
- internal combustion engines
- highly disruptive technologies which will significantly accelerate the reduction of CO2 and other emissions beyond the route achieved through standard product development projects
Technical feasibility study proposals must be business-led, and may be collaborative or from an individual company. We expect total project costs of up to £250,000, although we may consider projects outside this range.
It is expected that, at the end of a successful study, participants would be in a position to move on to a CR&D project in a future competition.
CR&D proposals must be collaborative and business-led. We expect projects to range in size from £500,000 to £3 million, although we may consider projects outside this range. It is expected that, at the end of a successful project, participants would be in a position to apply to an Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) supported competition.
Small businesses could receive up to 70% of their eligible project costs, medium-sized businesses 60% and large businesses 50%.
This competition opens for applicants on 7 September 2015. The deadline for registration is at noonon 21 October 2015 and the deadline for applications is at noon on 28 October 2015.
A briefing event for potential applicants will be held in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire on 3 September 2015.
You can also hear about the competition on 9 and 10 September 2015 at the Innovate UK stand in Hall 3 at the CENEX/Millbrook LCV15 show.