The MUSTReCaB project builds upon previous successful feasibility study and proof of concept research projects to deliver an ultra-lightweight solution for producing complex, feature rich load bearing structural panels in reinforced recycled thermoplastic carbon fibre.

The project will develop a material and production process for cost effectively manufacturing lightweight thermoplastic matrix recycled carbon fibre panels capable of being used in structural and semi-structural applications.

Production approaches catering for one off parts through niche to high volume requirements will be considered, with the technology being demonstrated with prototype components manufactured and integrated onto a prototype zero emission Morris Commercial delivery vehicle.

In this project the consortium will develop, simulate and bench test a prototype lightweight active suspension system, capable of high bandwidth dynamic ride height, spring rate and damping control. Aston Martin Lagonda will set requirements, Cranfield University will carry out CAE simulation and optimisation, and Domin Fluid Power will design, manufacture and test an integrated, Additive Manufactured active suspension unit to TRL5.

RIFT64 is a 64-120kW traction motor development that builds on our existing 10-30kW (TRL8) project to bring the market a high-powered ultra-efficient electric drive with advantages of: significant weight reduction, lower cost and efficiencies that result in a range increase of up to 75%, plus other benefits.

The consortium of RIFT Technology, MCP and BradshawEV brings together innovation, production expertise, customer knowledge and route to market. This leads to a strong project to prove the concept of the RIFT64 motor and its suitability for the Electric Utility Vehicle market. Collaboration is expected to nurture existing commercial relationships between the parties.

The ability to provide suitable levels of passenger comfort in electric vehicles in cold conditions, whilst minimising the reduction in zero emission range, continues to be an industry challenge. Sunamp, Bergstrom and Horiba MIRA will develop an efficient cabin heating solution for electric vehicles. Our solution is to use advanced high temperature solid state Phase Change Material (PCM) integrated into the vehicle HVAC air handling system to provide a more efficient solution to electrical heating or heat pumps. Additional benefits would be to speed up the immediate cabin heating and windscreen demisting giving drivers improved comfort and safety.

Hydrogen and fuel cell engineering specialist Arcola Energy will work with composites manufacturer Permali and the National Composites Centre to develop lightweight systems for on-board hydrogen storage. As well as helping to unlock zero-emission heavy-duty transport the project will form the basis of a UK supply chain for hydrogen storage systems.

Niche Vehicle Manufacturers (NVMs) are presented with significant barriers when trying to adopt simulation into their design processes. The ‘Enabling Simulation’ project will work towards allowing SME automotive manufacturers to undertake best practice aerodynamic and electric motor thermal management simulations using cloud-based software.

Project partners TotalSim and Electrical Cooling Solutions will take their respective Computational Fluid Dynamics and electric motor simulation software and develop them for deployment on the cloud for use by NVMs.

The combined platform will be tested and validated by Ariel Limited as a part of the development of the next generation of the Nomad off-road car