The Niche Vehicle Network runs competitions annually, providing match-funding for niche vehicle technology organisations to accelerate the development of zero emission and low carbon vehicle technology from concept through to production.
Funded projects must aim to support the growth and competitiveness of the UK zero emission niche vehicle technology sector, and our current projects demonstrate accelerated development of technologies based around one or more of the following areas:
Electric machines and power electronics
Energy storage and energy management systems
Fuel cells and associated systems
On-board hydrogen storage
Lightweight vehicle body, chassis and powertrain structures
Aerodynamics for improved energy efficiency
Other disruptive zero carbon vehicle technologies
The Niche Vehicle Zero Emission PLV Feasibility Studies Competition provides grant funding to undertake 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).
Feasibility Study projects can be up to 3 months in duration.
Funded by Innovate UK, delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network with support from Cenex.
The Competition is open to niche vehicle manufacturers, system suppliers and design/engineering or technology organisations active in the UK specialist and low volume manufacturing sector who wish to collaborate on innovative, industry-led projects that support the transition to zero emission transportation.
Proof of Concept projects can be up to 5 months in duration.
Funded jointly by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC UK) and Innovate UK, the Production Readiness Competition is open to niche vehicle manufacturers, system suppliers, and design/engineering or technology organisations, active in the UK specialist and low volume manufacturing sector, who wish to collaborate on innovative, industry-led projects.
Applicants must be able to evidence that an appropriate stage of development or technology readiness has already been achieved to meet the project entry criteria. For Production Readiness projects, the consortium should already have demonstrated the concept at first mule or prototype level and are now aiming to take it towards a production-intent level, including demonstration on a zero emission UK niche vehicle.
Production Readiness projects can be up to 9 months in duration.
Sign up to our mailing list for updates on when competitions open. The competitions are open to Members only. To join the Network for FREE, click the link on the right.
All applications must be submitted online through the Niche Vehicle Network Funding Gateway in the Members Portal. This contains full guidance on how to apply, together with links to provide specific help if required.
The aim of this feasibility study was to demonstrate that the WMC300FR concept can be electrified, whilst meeting the rapid charge time and drive cycle requirements of the Emergency Services, at an acceptable price point.
This feasibility study undertook in-depth research into the market to determine and needs for last mile delivery logistics companies.
This project aimed to evaluate if WEV ZEV technologies and lightweight architecture approaches could be scaled down to offer significant benefit to the ultra-light vehicle L6/7e market.
This project investigated the feasibility of replacing conventional ICE drivetrain in a motorcycle with a zero-emission equivalent.
This feasibility study demonstrated the opportunity to utilise lightweighting and other lesser-focused approaches to develop an L7e vehicle.
The BOped is a project to maximise the ridership of zero emission electric mopeds on UK roads. The aim of the project was to take know-how and experience in micro-mobility and apply this to larger, more capable vehicle types.
