UK industry consortium to develop electric light commercial vehicle

Millbrook will be part of the consortium led by energy technology group Intelligent Energy to develop a new class of zero-emission LCV. By integrating fuel cell technology into battery electric vehicles, the group will deliver the capability to provide this type of vehicles with significantly improved range and rapid refueling.

The three-year project will generate validated systems and vehicle conversion expertise ready for volume manufacture. The goal is also to provide fleet operators with a solution that enables vehicle operation for extended periods whilst being emissions free at the tailpipe.

The consortium will receive a £6.3m grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) as part of its £12.7m project. The other partners comprise Frost Electronics, Frost EV, CENEX, British Gas and DHL.

The collaborative project minimizes technical and commercial risk by initially targeting captive and commercial fleet operators. It will provide a package that can be integrated into vehicles as an end-of-line fitment at an OEM, or through a new-vehicle conversion facility, or by retro-fitting at approved centers.

Jon Beasley, director of technology and projects from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, located at the University of Warwick, said: “Our aim is to position the UK as a global centre for low carbon propulsion systems development and production. This consortium of British companies is helping the APC to deliver its aim with this innovative project that uses hydrogen fuel cell technologies. It has the potential to deliver a viable zero-emission vehicle for fleet operators around the world.”

https://www.ngvjournal.com/uk-industry-consortium-to-develop-electric-light-commercial-vehicle/