Fusion Processing are part of the consortium awarded APC funding following a successful entry into its competition for developing automotive technologies and growing capability towards net zero.
The automated drive systems developer will work alongside Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) on a £15 million (US$17.8 million) grant from the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) as part of a wider funding package to support zero emission transport.
The Bristol-based company is supporting HVS’ drive for innovation in hydrogen mobility in the form of the UK’s first indigenous, clean-sheet, hydrogen fuel-cell HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle). APC’s funding, which is aimed at supporting the UK’s long-term capabilities by securing long-term R&D investment in collaborative, pre-production research and development projects, will support 50% of the project’s approximate £30 million (US$35.9m) total cost.
The project, which will run until mid-2025, comprises a consortium led by HVS and includes Grayson (Thermal Management), HVS (developing the hydrogen powered HGV) and PNDC (a commercial arm of Strathclyde University specialising in power electronics). The support and combination of this expertise will expedite the development of the full vehicle’s fuel cell and battery hybrid powertrain, covering engineering, testing and development. Both this and other fuel cell projects funded by the APC will contribute to the ambition to decarbonise the automotive sector as described in the UK’s Hydrogen Strategy.
“The £15 million of funding announced today furthers world-leading innovation in net-zero technology for the automotive sector and beyond. These fantastic projects are all collaborative by design, led by high-profile companies with innovative SME and academic partners, representing great UK industry.” said Ian Constance, Chief Executive at the APC.
Announcing the APC funding ,Business Secretary Grant Shapps said, “Our automotive industry is a world-leader, creating jobs whether in Essex, Somerset or Glasgow. Seizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener and more affordable. Today’s multi-million-pound boost – created by Government working hand-in-hand with industry – will put these firms in pole position to pioneer these innovations, staying at the cutting edge of the global race for decades to come.”