Projects that will bring fuel cells into van fleets, develop high-efficiency transmissions and create the next generation of electric and hybrid buses are receiving funding of £80 million from government.
The four new projects are:
- New Routemaster manufacturer, Wrightbus, will receive a grant of £4.3 million to develop a new generation of electric and hybrid buses.
- A £6.3 million grant for a hydrogen fuel cell range extender for electric light commercial vehicle fleets in a joint £12.7 million project led by Intelligent Energy Holdings.
- The development of a high-efficiency transmission and electric drive by hofer powertrain UK, which will receive £16.4 million in a £32.8 million programme.
- A £13 million grant to develop innovative technologies for UK-built diesel engines, which will be exported worldwide by Perkins Engines Company in a £25.1 million project with its partners.
The projects are being handled by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which has committed investment for 10 low carbon propulsion projects that will safeguard UK development and manufacturing jobs.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “Green technology is needed to drive the vehicles of the future, and British designers and manufacturers must continue to lead innovators in this field.
“The Advanced Propulsion Centre is one of the driving forces behind the development of new technology to fuel the green engines of the future, enabling our car industry to be truly world beating.”
