Niche Vehicle Network: Feasibility Study Competition

Key Features

SMEs and micro companies active in the low-carbon niche vehicle technology sector can apply for grant funding of up £35,000 to undertake desktop research activities aimed at catalysing innovative vehicle technologies applicable to road-going and off-highway vehicles.

Programme:     Niche Vehicle Network

Award:     Up to £35,000 per project

Opens: 10th Sep 2020

Closes: 9th Oct 2020

! This scheme is now closed

Overview

Sponsored by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the Niche Vehicle Feasibility Competition is providing SMEs and micro companies active in the low-carbon niche vehicle technology sector with grant funding of up £35,000 to undertake desktop research activities aimed at catalysing innovative vehicle technologies applicable to road-going and off-highway vehicles, within the following:

Scope

  • Lightweight vehicle body, chassis and powertrain structures
  • Electric machines and power electronics
  • Energy storage and energy management systems
  • Alternative propulsion systems
  • Aerodynamics for improved energy efficiency
  • Other disruptive low carbon vehicle technologies

Eligible projects under this competition are not required to be collaborative. All projects must aim to support the growth and competitiveness of the UK low carbon niche vehicle technology sector. A niche vehicle manufacturer is defined as an independent UK based vehicle manufacturer producing less than 10,000 vehicles per year.

Eligible Vehicle Types

The following vehicle types are in scope for this competition:

  • E-Bikes, e-trikes, including electrically assisted pedal powered
  • Motorcycles, quads
  • Lightweight delivery vehicles
  • Passenger cars & 3-wheelers
  • Taxis, hearses, ambulances, specialist conversions – Buses, coaches and HGVs
  • Off-highway, tractors & construction vehicles

Exclusions

The following vehicles and technologies are NOT in scope and therefore ineligible for this competition:

  • Dedicated motorsport & race vehicles
  • Driverless vehicles & PODs
  • Marine, Rail, Aerospace & Drones
  • Off-board EV charging systems
  • Dedicated internal combustion engine (ICE) development
  • Conversion of ICE to run on alternative fuels
  • Fuels or lubricants development

To apply for this competition, please click here.

Eligibility

  • Only 1 application per company is permissible
  • The applicant must be a UK SME or micro business (limited company)
  • The applicant must submit the bid and manage the project
  • Projects must be business-led, and within the technology scope for the competition
  • Projects must be undertaken solely by the applicant (and any named subcontractors)
  • All work within the project must be undertaken in the UK
  • Projects need to have a focus on the UK niche vehicle sector
  • Projects must be deliverable within a 3 month period & completed by 31st March 2021

Funding Costs

Eligible costs include labour, overheads (20% of labour costs), materials, subcontracting (capped at 40% of overall project costs), consumables.

All eligible expenditure must be defrayed within Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

Claims are paid in arrears following successful completion of the project.

  •  Maximum total project costs: £50,000
  •  Maximum total project grant: £35,000
  •  Maximum project grant intervention rate: 70%