Announced at yesterday’s (10 September 2015) Cenex LCV2015, at Millbrook, the winning projects are as follows:
The production of a prototype chassis to validate butted steel tubing to reduce weight
Electric hybridisation of a bus powertrain and electrification of ancillary mechanical loads using novel technologies
The development of an ultra-lightweight, low emission vehicle, using carbon fibre, steel tubing and a novel lightweight rotary engine
Building a prototype advanced composite chassis structure, using bonded panels for light-weighting, and reduced tooling costs and production cycles
Development of a manufacturing method to deliver a step change in ultra-lightweight magnesium pressings for the niche vehicle sector
And harnessing of innovative passive and active aerodynamic devices to cut CO2 emissions, improve fuel economy and increase range on electric vehicles
All of the projects will receive 50% funding, up to a total of £150,000, from the Network, and cover the balance of the project costs with their own resources.
All are collaborative between three UK-based companies active in the niche vehicle sector.
