Innovate UK
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Low carbon niche vehicles: apply for business funding
Businesses could win a share of up to £2.3 million for low carbon development and demonstration projects in the niche vehicle sector.
The Niche Vehicle Network has up to £2.3 million to fund a variety of projects to demonstrate new low carbon technologies on vehicles and to develop working prototypes.
It is promoting two competitions, supported by Innovate UK, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
The Niche Vehicle Network supports manufacturers of niche vehicles, such as premium brand sports cars and specialist commercial vehicles, and their suppliers.
Up to £1.3 million is available for early market low carbon technology demonstration projects and a further £1 million to take existing projects from demonstration to production readiness.
Technology areas funded could include:
- lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
- electric machines and power electronics
- energy storage and energy management
- disruptive low emission vehicle technologies
- reduced emissions from internal combustion engines
- aerodynamics development
- digital innovation in low-volume manufacturing
- alternative propulsion systems
- internal combustion engines
Simon Edmonds, director of manufacturing and materials at Innovate UK, said:
We have been supporting the Niche Vehicle Networks’ R&D programme since 2012 and are delighted to be continuing that support this year.
The competition is part of our wider programme of activity for low carbon vehicles technologies funded by Innovate UK and our partners at OLEV and the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
I’d urge interested SMEs to take advantage of this latest round and look forward to seeing the competition winners at LCV2016.
Find out more about how Innovate UK is supporting the UK automotive sector
Competition information
- both competitions are open and applicants must request an application pack by noon on 29 July 2016. The deadline for applications is noon on 19 August 2016
- projects must be led by a business. Micro companies, large companies, universities or university group companies can participate as a project partner only
- demonstration projects are expected to have total costs of up to £250,000 and last 6 months
- later stage projects are expected to to have total costs of up to £500,000 and to last 9 months
- projects could receive up to 50% funding of their total project costs
- a briefing event will be held on 7 July 2016
Find out more about these competitions and apply.
