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Toyota to lead cutting-edge match-funded project to boost
zero-emission vehicle innovation.
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£15 million in HMG funding, supported by the government's
modern Industrial Strategy, will go towards accelerating
electric mobility tech, supporting high quality jobs, and
fuel long-term growth.
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Funding supports the government's ambition to boost business
investment in advanced manufacturing sector by 2035, helping
UK firms lead in industries of the future and deliver on the
Plan for Change.
The government has enabled over £30 million in joint funding with
industry to boost electric vehicle innovation in the
UK.
The project, spearheaded by Toyota alongside other key project
partners, will accelerate the feasibility of the development of
zero-emission technology, drive innovation in cutting-edge
R&D and support high quality automotive engineering jobs in
the UK.
Backed by £15 million in government funding, the investment will
support the feasibility of electric mobility solutions designed
to meet the growing demand in the UK for zero emission vehicles
and delivering on the government's Plan for Change.
The vehicle will feature cutting-edge innovations including an
integrated solar roof for enhanced energy efficiency, advanced
connectivity for smart urban integration and lightweight,
sustainable materials designed for recyclability.
The project includes key partners such as the University of Derby
and Elm Mobility Limited, combining academic expertise and
entrepreneurial agility to deliver a transformative mobility
solution.
Industry Minister said:
This shows the power of our partnership with industry, driving
innovation and helping investors build a globally competitive
electric vehicle supply chain in the UK as we deliver on our Plan
for Change.
Economic growth is our number one priority, and by funding our
world leading auto sector our modern Industrial Strategy is
creating the right conditions for increased investment, bringing
growth, supporting jobs, and opportunities to every part of the
UK.
Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of TMUK,
said:
We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion
Centre for this important feasibility study. This funding allows
us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of
creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that
addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The
project acknowledges TMUK's overall project excellence and will
further strengthen the capabilities of our members.
The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing
electric micro mobility vehicles in the UK, supporting high
quality automotive engineering jobs and deepening the knowledge
and skills within the UK's advanced manufacturing sector.
The multi-million-pound funding package has been awarded through
the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Collaborative Research
and Development programme, helping to unlock further private
investment and supporting the government's ambitions to build an
end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles in the
UK.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced
Propulsion Centre UK (APC):
APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric
Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what
DRIVE35 aims to support - innovation, UK competitiveness,
productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of
the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is
partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as
ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby
to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed and
tested in the UK.
Earlier this year, the government announced the launch of DRIVE35
to support the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing.
Announced in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it offers
£2.5 billion in capital and R&D funding to 2035. The
programme backs everything from large-scale gigafactories to
start-ups and prototypes for strategic vehicle technologies,
aiming to boost innovation, attract investment, and strengthen
the UK's automotive supply chain.
Since its foundation in 2013, the APC R&D programme has
supported 354 low-carbon and zero-emission projects involving 614
partners. Working with companies of all sizes, this funding since
2013 is estimated to have helped create or safeguard over 59,000
jobs in the UK. The technologies and products are projected to
save over 425 million tonnes of CO2.
