Road to Net Zero Podcast

Success from R&D: Equipmake electric drivetrains powering growth

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/ 
 

Ariel Hipercar: ultra-high performance electric vehicle

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

Promising battery cell innovations for the UK automotive sector

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.

The green Wrightbus: a UK export success story

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/

Low Carbon Vehicle Show Recap

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

Going the distance: The Tevva hydrogen range extender

Hydrogen in automotive.
An APC-funded project, led by Tevva Hydrogen Electric Trucks in partnership with Advanced Electric Machines Ltd, has demonstrated the need for and developed a hydrogen fuel cell range extender to combat the current requirement for heavy batteries.
This is a major step forward in the development of viable low-carbon heavy-duty transport.
Hear Asher Bennett, founder and CEO of Tevva Hydrogen Electric Trucks discuss how the UK can benefit from this opportunity.
Watch the video case study https://www.apcuk.co.uk/case-studies/tevva-hydrogen-range-extender/ 
Visit https://www.tevva.com/uk-gets-first-hydrogen-electric-truck-with-landmark-tevva-launch/ to find out more about this vehicle

Intelligent Energy: Commercialising the fuel cell

Hydrogen in automotive.
Intelligent Energy is looking to commercialise its hydrogen technology. It’s working with a consortium of UK-based companies to develop a cost-effective and efficient supply chain.
Hear from Ashley Kells, Programme Director at Intelligent Energy, as he explains how hydrogen fuel cells are a good solution for applications that can’t use battery –electric and why government funding is important to accelerate development in this sector.

The hydrogen combustion engine from Dolphin N2

Hydrogen in automotive.
Nick Owen, Technical Director at Dolphin N2, explains how they have used ‘ThermoPower’ technology to use up to 30% less diesel in an engine, with the ability to use a range of fuels that don’t compromise efficiency or air quality.
By running on hydrogen, this split-cycle engine can eliminate CO2 emissions with lower NOx output.
Listen to the full interview conducted by energy and transport journalist David James.

The UK’s hydrogen vehicle technology potential explained

Hydrogen in automotive.
Why should we use hydrogen to power our vehicles (and not just batteries)?
What is the size of the economic opportunity for hydrogen in the automotive sector, how do we make it affordable, how do we invest in it, and build it up to commercialisation?
This week the APC's CEO Ian Constance is back, being interviewed by energy and transport journalist David James, as he answers these questions and discusses the work we do to accelerate opportunities for hydrogen technology to progress.

Glasgow’s hydrogen-powered Ballard Motive bin lorry

Hydrogen in automotive.
In a £7 million deal, Glasgow City Council have ordered a fleet of 20 hydrogen fuel cell refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) from Ballard Motive Solutions.
Energy and transport journalist David James chats with Dr Richard Kemp-Harper from Ballard Motive Solutions to discuss why the UK is in a great position to “get stuck in and build a supply chain” for hydrogen zero-emission vehicles 🚛
Ballard Motive Solutions (previously known as Arcola Energy before its acquisition) began developing its hydrogen fuel cell RCV after undertaking a research project that was part-funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Automotive Transformation Fund.
Read more and watch the video on the APC website: Case study | Hydrogen-powered Ballard bin lorry (apcuk.co.uk)