APC 11: advancing the UK’s low carbon automotive capability

Key Features

£20 million of collaborative match funding is available for UK-developed late stage R&D to support advanced low carbon propulsion technologies in automotive.

Programme:     Innovate UK

Award:     Share of up to £20 million

Opens: 6th Aug 2018

Closes: 3rd Oct 2018

! This scheme is now closed

Overview

APC 11 is seeking proposals for UK based R&D projects that significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality.

In particular, they are looking for projects that support the UK’s long-term capabilities and supply chain in the design, build and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles. This can include technologies such as motors, batteries, power electronics, hybridisation and alternative propulsion systems. These projects must help make those capabilities a permanent part of the UK supply chain.

Scope

APC 11 is seeking proposals for collaborative R&D projects that demonstrate the development of on-vehicle technologies for on or off-road vehicles. These must accelerate the development of low and zero emission technology.

The project must be focused on one or more of the following technology areas:

  • alternative propulsion systems
  • electric machines and power electronics
  • energy storage and energy management
  • lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
  • thermal propulsion systems

Your application must:

  • have a proven technology idea that is both technically viable and production ready at the end of the project.
  • demonstrate a clear route to market, alongside a consortium able to deliver this
  • demonstrate the economic benefits of the project, such as new and safe-guarded jobs, new business activity or an expansion of products and services
  • demonstrate that the primary application of the project is for the automotive industry and the majority of the technologies are proven in a vehicle representative environment
  • show how the project will support upskilling and knowledge sharing in the UK
  • show that the project delivers additional impact beyond what would be achieved in business as usual
  • show what would happen to the project if funding is not successful and why the specific amount of funding is needed
  • demonstrate how UK plc will benefit from any intellectual property generated by the project

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding:

  • you must have an active business base within the UK
  • your project must be collaborative and business led
  • the lead participant must be a grant recipient
  • your consortium must include a vehicle manufacturer or tier 1 supplier who supplies parts directly to an original equipment manufacturer
  • your consortium must include a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)

Non-UK based companies and research organisations are eligible to apply for funding if they:

  • set up an active UK business base before project start, where the funded work will be carried out
  • provide evidence that they intend to expand their R&D activity in the UK beyond the life of the project

Funding Costs

Total eligible project costs can range from £5 million to £40 million. You should request the minimum amount of funding needed for your project.

Each project will attract no more than 50% public funding towards its total eligible project costs, of which:

  • at least 70% must be incurred by commercial organisations
  • a maximum of 30% is available to research participants, and if there is more than one research participant, this amount will be shared between them

The project can last between 18 and 42 months.

Exclusions

Projects will not be funded that cover:

  • fundamental research
  • early stage technologies
  • business as usual