Road to Net Zero Podcast
This podcast, from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, is all about how the UK automotive industry is transitioning to net zero. In a series of interviews, we highlight key issues and developments, interesting projects and technologies emerging from one of the UK’s most innovative sectors on the road to net zero.
Episodes
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Automotive industry demand forecast Q4 22/23 explained
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Did you get chance to read our last quarterly demand report for 2022/23, published at the end of March? If not, make sure to listen to our Technology Trends team take you through the key talking points and highlights.
Read the Q4 2022 Automotive Industry Quarterly Demand Report: https://www.apcuk.co.uk/q4-2022-automotive-industry-demand-forecast/
With so much happening right now in the industry, our demand reports are a comprehensive and informative overview of forecasting based on current market situation and external drivers. Read all of our quarterly demand reports: https://www.apcuk.co.uk/media-type/quarterly-demand-reports/In the fourth report of 2022/23, for the first time, we’ve included a focus on expected activity in the supply chain in 2027, as well as our standard benchmark of 2030, as this is when the Rules of Origin and the trade agreement between the UK and Europe change.In this video the team also provide an overview of:📈 Battery chemistry forecast📗 Introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act📊 Lithium supply and demand pulls🔋 Alternative battery chemistriesLook out for our first demand report of 2023/24, coming soon, where we take a closer look at the impact the US’ Inflation Reduction Act will have on automotive manufacturing and technology investment, both in the UK and Europe.
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
The low-carbon manure-powered tractor from CNH Industrial
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
This tractor is running on methane captured from cow slurry.
The world’s first 100% methane-powered tractor has been developed through a project that received £9.1 million in government funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Running on biomethane fuel made from recovered cow dung, the tractor could help save farmers money, reduce GHG emissions and support sustainable farming of local produce. It can also advance development of a more sustainable circular economy in agriculture.
The system of capturing methane from slurry lagoons, that would otherwise enter the atmosphere as a powerful greenhouse gas, not only represents a huge saving of emissions on the farm, but also can help farmers become energy self-sufficient.
Journalist David James went to Cornwall to find out how it all works in this conversation with Andrew Dunne from CNH Industrial, the lead partner on the collaborative research and development project.
Manure-powered tractor is helping bring food from farm to fork
Read more about our collaborative research and development programmes here: Collaborative R&D (CR&D) Competitions - Advanced Propulsion Centre
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Power electronics value chain explained
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
This is a very special episode that takes a deep-dive into the complex subject of power electronics.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre recently released a new 'value chain map' to breakdown the mystery of semiconductor manufacturing, which is available now to download.
https://www.apcuk.co.uk/power-electronics-value-chain-launched-to-kick-start-robust-uk-supply-chain/
Availability of semiconductors already posing a problem for UK automotive OEMs
No UK end-to-end supply chain to meet needs of automotive manufacturing sector
The UK can achieve manufacturing demands if industry, finance, and government work together.
In this podcast, technology trends consultant Bhavik Shah provides a short explainer of the report and value chain.
Then hear a live panel discussion, hosted by journalist David James in front of a small studio audience, featuring McLaren Applied, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab and Exawatt, to explain the finer details.
Plus APC CEO Ian Constance summarises what power electronics are, and why they are important for the UK’s automotive sector.
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
SME sensing opportunity: Oxford RF sensors for autonomous vehicles
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Oxford RF has developed the world’s first 360-degree solid-state radar system. The sensors aim to reduce costs and increase reliability for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and driverless vehicles, ultimately leading to more of these on the road.
As CEO Dr Kashif Siddiq explains, there are currently too many sensors on vehicles – including cameras, radars and LiDARs. More sensors mean more cost, power consumption and more data to process which increases the latency in decision-making. For safer autonomous cars, every split-second counts, and to enable faster take-up of the technology every penny counts too.
Oxford RF’s solution will remove the need for the plethora of devices, and with no moving parts it’s said to be much more reliable as well.
In October 2022 the company joined six other SMEs as the successful innovators of Zenzic’s CAM Scale-Up programme, to verify their innovative connected autonomous mobility (CAM) solutions at pace.
In January 2023, the company completed its journey through the APC’s Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP), which provided grant funding and business mentoring to support this kind of innovation.
As a result of this and collaboration with WMG (the Warwick Manufacturing Group), Oxford RF is now exploring commercial opportunities and bringing its applications to the market.
Learn more about TDAP, or to make an application for the next wave of accelerator funding, visit https://www.apcuk.co.uk/technology-developer-accelerator-programme/
Friday Jan 27, 2023
Ian Constance: Down but not out, still a lot to play for in 2023
Friday Jan 27, 2023
Friday Jan 27, 2023
Despite the disappointing news for the automotive sector early this year, there are plenty of opportunities and things to look forward to in 2023.
Listen to the latest Road to Net Zero episode with the views of APC CEO, Ian Constance.
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
Success from R&D: Equipmake electric drivetrains powering growth
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
How did Norfolk-based Equipmake develop a world-leading electric drivetrain? And build a £400 million pipeline? And grow from 15 to 75 employees? And float on the Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE)? By taking part in an APC-funded collaborative research and development project, of course!
Equipmake CEO Ian Foley speaks to transport and energy journalist David James about the company's recent success and how it has benefited from the APC funding.
Equipmake built the motors for the Ariel Hipercar (featured in the previous Road to Net Zero episode), and have applied the technology to their electric bus platform.
The company recently unveiled the repowered New Routemaster, developed at its base in Snetterton, Norfolk. The iconic red bus features a 400kWh battery enabling an expected in-service range of 150 miles – more than enough for a day’s running, replacing the previous hybrid combustion engine.
The development of the all-electric New Routemaster has come about thanks to a programme part funded by the APC: The CELEB2 project. It has a total project value £7.4 million, with £3.7 million funded through the APC and match-funded by Japanese investment.
Listen to this interview to find out more about the progress of the company since the awarding of the grant.
Find out more about collaborative R&D funding and the next rounds of applications by visiting https://www.apcuk.co.uk/collaborative-rd-competitions/
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Ariel Hipercar: ultra-high performance electric vehicle
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
New technologies create ultimate hipercar
This is the Ariel Hipercar, a battery electric vehicle designed to outperform any internal combustion engine road car, but in a zero-emission package. It was launched September 2022.
The Hipercar was part funded through an APC collaborative research and development project with a total project value of £12.3 million, receiving £6.1 million of government funding.
Listen to this interview with Simon Saunders, Director, Ariel Motor Company, who says:
“These projects are not only incredibly important in developing the technology, but they're really important in anchoring the technology in this country, improving the supply chain, expanding the companies who are involved, and also for exports, job retention and, of course, emissions, which is what the end goal is always all about.”
Equipmake designed and built a new electric motor.
Delta Cosworth built the battery pack, thermal management and power control systems.
GKN Automotive had to build a bespoke testbed.
More information and video. Details about the project and the consortium which built it: HIPERCAR 2
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Promising battery cell innovations for the UK automotive sector
Monday Oct 17, 2022
Monday Oct 17, 2022
The UK is in a strong position to lead future battery cell innovations for the automotive sector, according to the latest insight from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Former-APC technology trends strategist Jon Regnart explains more about this report and its key findings, which include:
The automotive sector will dominate future battery demand, driving battery innovation.
There are three broad clusters of batteries emerging in the global automotive industry.
Eight promising cell innovations are close to market, offering significant global opportunity.
The UK has strategic advantage in development of silicon dominant anodes and sodium ion batteries.
The UK needs to attract cathode and anode manufacturers to support innovation ecosystem and anchor supply chains.
Find out more information on this report here: UK in strong position to lead future battery cell innovation for the automotive sector
It provides a qualitative assessment of the UK’s existing capability in battery developments that have the highest potential of being commercialised globally in the next 3+ years.
Monday Oct 03, 2022
The green Wrightbus: a UK export success story
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Monday Oct 03, 2022
Wrightbus' double-decker Hydroliner and hydrogen single-deck demonstrator are boosting orders internationally and already showing returns on investment.
This APC-supported project is developing both the vehicles and the refuelling ecosystem all at once. It’s part of a collaborative research and development programme with Queen's University Belfast, Grayson Thermal Systems and Translink Northern Ireland & Ryse Hydrogen.
In this episode, hear Neil Collins, CEO of Wrightbus discuss the project and its success.
Watch the case study video: https://www.apcuk.co.uk/case-studies/wrightbus-export-success/
Thursday Sep 29, 2022
Low Carbon Vehicle Show Recap
Thursday Sep 29, 2022
Thursday Sep 29, 2022
Reveals, announcements and interviews. In this special episode of the Road to Net Zero we take a listen back to the best bits from the recent Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle and Connected Autonomous Mobility (LCV CAM) show, which took place on 7-8 September 2022.
As well as it being the 15th anniversary of the event, the APC once again supported the UK Government Pavilion stand, featuring the amazing projects and latest in green tech innovation we support in the automotive sector.
In this episode:
Ariel Hipercar unveiling
Off-grid battery recycling and repair
Battery insights data
Report on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the auto industry
SME and start up exhibitors at the show
About the Advanced Propulsion Centre
Accelerating Progress: We're here to help accelerate the transition to a net-zero automotive industry through funding, support and insights.
www.apcuk.co.uk