Innovate UK: Advanced Propulsion Centre 16 – developing the UK’s low carbon automotive capability

04/06/2020

08/07/2020

Innovate UK, through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, invites applications for its 16th call on developing the UK’s low carbon automotive capability. This supports late-stage collaborative R&D projects that support growth in advanced low-carbon propulsion capability in the automotive sector. Projects are sought that support the UK’s long-term capabilities through securing long-term R&D investment and can be achieved through its associated supply chain in the design, build and manufacture of zero tailpipe emission vehicles. The total budget is £30 million to support projects with total eligible costs between £5m and £40m and lasting between 18 and 42 months. Projects must be 50 per cent match funded. The percentage of costs that can be claimed depends on the type of research and the organisations involved.

Projects must focus on or relate to at least one of the following themes: •alternative propulsion systems; •electric machines and power electronics; •energy storage and energy management; •lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures; •thermal propulsion systems that deliver substantial improvements. Projects must demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions leading to air quality improvements or accelerate the development of technologies capable of low and zero tailpipe emissions. This can include technologies such as motors, batteries, power electronics, hybridisation and alternative propulsion systems.

Lead organisations must have an active registered business base in the UK and must collaborate with others, involving at least one SME and a vehicle manufacturer or tier 1 supplier who supplies parts directly to an original equipment manufacturer. Teams must carry out the work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in the UK. Collaborators may be UK registered businesses, academic institutions or research and technology organisations. Non-UK based companies and research organisations may apply for funding if they set up an active UK registered business base before they start their project, where the funded work will be carried out, and provide evidence that they intend to expand their R&D activity in the UK after the project. Projects can include partners that do not receive funding.