Overview

Sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT) and supported by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), Zemo Partnership (Zemo) and Innovate UK, the Niche Vehicle Zero Emission PLV Feasibility Studies Competition provides grant funding of up £35,000 to undertake 3-month duration desktop research and/or preliminary investigation activities aimed at supporting the accelerated development of innovative vehicle technologies applicable to road going Zero Emission Powered Light Vehicles (PLV). More commonly referred to as ‘Category L’ vehicles – this encompasses mopeds, motorbikes, trikes and quadricycle vehicle types.

Scope

Applications into this competition must be able to articulate how they will support the high-level objectives of accelerated development of new on-road zero emission niche PLV vehicles and/or solutions to deliver increased zero emission PLV vehicle range. For clarity, Niche Vehicle are not looking to fund projects primarily focussed on off-board vehicle charging systems or solutions in this competition.

Areas for investigation could include the following on-board vehicle technology themes:

• Electric machines and power electronics
• On board energy storage and energy management systems
• Fuel cells
• Lightweight vehicle body, chassis and powertrain structures*
• Aerodynamics for improved energy efficiency*

* Must be able to demonstrate significant vehicle-level benefits to range extension, reduced energy consumption and/or negating the weight impact of adopting zero emissions propulsion systems

For zero emission vehicles included in this competition, please see here.

Eligibility

Please make sure that your project meets the following eligibility criteria:

• Projects need to have a focus on the UK zero emission PLV niche vehicle sector
• 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 and eligibility criteria for the competition
• All work within the project must be undertaken in the UK
• A maximum of 2 applications per company / organisation is permissible – this includes businesses where at least one shareholder holds a 25% or greater interest in both companies
• Projects must be undertaken solely by the applicant (and any named subcontractors)
• Projects must be deliverable within a 3-month period & completed by 31st March 2023

Successful applicants must also be able to pass a financial due diligence check before funding can be awarded.