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Innovate UK, via the Advanced Propulsion Centre, invites applications for its advancing the UK’s low carbon automotive capability. This aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. The projects must focus on technologies directly linked with the long-term development of zero-emission capability, such as motors, batteries, power electronics, hybridisation, and alternative propulsion systems. The projects’ primary application should be for the automotive industry and for projects that support the UK’s long-term capabilities in the design, build and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles. The project must be focused on one or more of the following technology areas:

•alternative propulsion systems;

•electric machines and power electronics;

•energy storage and energy management;

•lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures;

•thermal propulsion systems.

Active UK-based businesses may apply. Projects must be collaborative and business-led. Consortiums must include a vehicle manufacturer or a tier 1 supplier, and an SME. Non-UK may apply if they set up an active UK business base before project start, and if they provide evidence that they intend to expand their R&D activity in the UK beyond the life of the project. Research organisations are not eligible to lead a project, but may participate.

The total budget for this round is £20 million. Total eligible project costs range from £5m to £40m for a period of between 18 and 42 months. Small businesses may receive up to 70 per cent of the total eligible costs, medium-sized businesses may receive up to 60 per cent and large businesses may receive up to 50 per cent for industrial research. Small businesses may receive up to 45 per cent of the total eligible costs, medium-sized businesses may receive up to 35 per cent and large businesses may receive up to 25 per cent for experimental development projects which are nearer to market.