SMMT members, Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive, have been awarded funding for the development of an all-electric city car, government announced today.
The T.27 project is supported through a £4.5 million investment from the Technology Strategy Board and a matched contribution from the consortium of Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive. Marketed as a sustainable vehicle, the T.27 is designed to minimise the use of materials. The aim is to ensure that the environmental impact of the materials and energy used are as low as possible. The funding will allow the consortium to develop four prototypes of the vehicle by February 2011.
Science and innovation minister Lord Drayson said, “The T.27 is a great example of smart engineering and sustainable design. It’s timely too, as the UK must demonstrate its readiness to exploit the emerging low carbon vehicles market. The challenge is far greater than simply meeting stricter EU emissions targets, we need to expand our car industry through green innovation.”
The development of ultra-low carbon vehicles provides an important opportunity for the UK motor industry and SMMT is determined to provide the support mechanisms needed to maximise value to the national economy. To prepare for the expansion of ultra-low carbon technology within the UK motor industry, SMMT has set up the Electric Vehicle Group. The group comprises volume manufacturers, niche vehicle producers and component suppliers and plays an integral role in helping to develop government policy and legislation, research and development and technical regulations regarding electric vehicles.
