Niche Vehicle Network

Innovative Charging R&D / 2021

EV-to-charger metadata communication for service fleet, user-friendly and shared-access smart charging at distributed sites

HYPERVOLT LIMITED

Hypervolt is the UK’s leading innovator in smart home & workplace charging, vertically integrated across software and hardware for seamless UX and rapid innovation.

Electrification of commercial vans is constrained, but no longer for lack of viable models. Facilities management EVs (~838,000 in the UK) face a specific pain point without radial-site charging solutions: hub/depot charging is inconvenient/inefficient, whilst distributed charging with low utilisation is capex intensive.

In tandem, EV uptake in social and rented accommodation with shared parking (1.8m homes; 8%) is constrained.

Hypervolt proposes an innovative, distributed fleet charging solution based on EV telematics, Plug&Charge and shared-access.

Innovative Charging R&D / 2021

Project Pollen: a secure universal e-scooter charging network

HONEYCOMB NETWORK LTD

Project Pollen will scale-up a universal e-scooter charging network deployed in smart lockers across cities in the UK. The project is led by Honeycomb, a start-up focused on battery charging optimisation of e-scooters, and TZ, a market leader in smart lockers. This project will develop our proof-of-concept, which includes a smart protocol to optimise battery health, energy efficiency and manage grid demand. NVN funding will also support negotiation of a pilot study in a regulatory-approved city in the UK in April 2022.

Deployment of Honeycomb in UK cities could avoid 464tCO2 annually by 2025, converting 33% of journeys under 5-miles.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

Aerodynamic First Responder Hybrid Motorcycle (WMC300FR-H)

WHITE MOTORCYCLE CONCEPTS LTD

Building upon the NVN PoC project and further “real-world” development throughout the APC TDAP Programme, advancing the technical/manufacturing readiness of an aerodynamic energy efficiency concept, to be delivered on a first responder hybrid motorcycle application.

Proven, on high speed demonstrator, to be 69% aerodynamically more efficient than the best production motorcycle the concept significantly improves range.

The collaborators will develop, document and productionise a city motorcycle incorporating the patent granted aerodynamic concept and bolt on hybrid, accelerating the supply chain and manufacturing processes toward full production readiness. The motorcycle will progress to market in 2022 following successful project completion.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

MACE (Morris All Carbon Electric)

MORRIS COMMERCIAL LTD

The MACE 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 reinforced with recycled carbon fibre. The project will further develop the materials and production processes for cost effectively manufacturing panels capable of being used in structural and semi-structural applications. Production approaches catering for niche to high volume requirements will be considered. A full carbon fibre production readiness BIW of optimized weight, cost and performance will be built and demonstrated on a prototype zero emission Morris Commercial Van, the Morris JE.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

CREATION: Independent 4-CorneR Electric ActuaTION

DOMIN FLUID POWER LIMITED

In this project Domin, Aston Martin and Cranfield aim to demonstrate at high technology readiness level (TRL6) key enabling technology to move to a truly optimised 4-corner electric vehicle actuation system. Whilst there has been significant investment in electric motor technology, other key systems (eg braking, suspension, steering) remain undeveloped and reliant on central hydraulic systems. We will demonstrate on-vehicle a highly innovative and integrated solution for a full active suspension and brake-by-wire system, with the potential to unlock significant benefits for a full electric vehicle architecture, including ~10% range extension across a WLTC.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

Moke Low Cost Lightweight Sustainable Body

ARC V LTD

MOKE International is a UK Company that has been manufacturing virtually the same vehicle for over 60 years - that is about to change!

MOKE, with its partners, will develop a new MOKE vehicle utilising the world's most cutting edge materials used in the niche vehicle segment to create a class leading sustainable, safe and light weight monocoque used across new Electric M1 and L7 variants.

This exciting program is the continuation of a whole vehicle redesign that will deliver a next generation MOKE capable of being the foundation on which the companies continuing journey can be built.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

RIFT64

RIFT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

RIFT64 is a 64-120kW traction motor development that expands on our existing 10-30kW motor development to bring to market a high-powered, ultra-efficient e-motor with the advantages of significant weight reduction; lower cost; and energy efficiencies that result in many benefits.

The consortium of RIFT Technology, Westfield and SDE brings together innovation, production expertise, customer knowledge and route to market leading to a strong project that proves the concept of the RIFT64 e-motor as suitable for on-road EV’s.

This project represents an organisational pivot for RIFT to focus on on-road vehicles for the first time in company history.

Late Stage R&D / 2021

Boscoot Late Stage R&D

CHESTER32 LTD

Building on work completed with Collins Ltd and Pure Electric for the highly successful NVN Proof of Concept, Chester32 has constructed a diverse consortium and Late Stage R&D programme to deliver the UK’s first premium electric scooter product.

Boscoot is an ambitious project developing a premium zero-emission urban transport solution. The addition of Airborne and Beeline to the project brings specific expertise essential for the progression to pre-production design and manufacturing analysis.

The project outcome will be development of innovative technical advancements which improve the safety, performance and resultant desirability of the e-scooter form factor.

Production Readiness / 2020

The QXS-E1 Motor – a Compact, Rugged 35kW Motor for Electric Motorcycles

EDGE MOBILITY LTD

The QXS-E1 motor is a compact, rugged 35 kW electric motor being developed by Edge Mobility. Designed to fit tight packaging volumes with its novel integrated liquid cooling system, it is an ideal solution for manufacturers of both electric motorcycle and other small vehicles.

In collaboration with Brace Technology and Xi Engineering, the goal of this Niche Vehicle Network R&D project is to prepare the QXS-E1 motor for production by taking it through a series of virtual simulations and physical tests before integrating it into an electric motorcycle and scooter for in-vehicle demonstrations.

Production Readiness / 2020

Clipper Cab Electric Taxi Production Readiness

ENGINES FOR GOOD LTD.

Clipper Automotive and partners aim to make significant improvements to the air quality in our towns and cities by converting diesel taxis to be 100% electric. Taxis are the biggest single polluting vehicle type in UK cities.

We have designed a system to retrofit London taxis with fully electric drive-train and have built a working prototype. The project will now build a production ready version of a zero-emissions retrofitted London black cab, bring this to market, carrying out real-world tests. We will also complete a full application to TfL for regulatory approval to operate these as licensed cabs in London.