The Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS), a collaboration between Coventry University and FEV Group, has invested £50m (US$65.8m) in a state-of-the-art facility for cleaner mobility solutions in Coventry.
The companies are looking to harness academic and commercial expertise to support development of next-gen electric, hybrid and combustion engines.
The 30,000ft² (2,787m²) facility on Cheetah Way, Coventry, will house advanced internal combustion and electrification testbed facilities, creating a dedicated resource for testing current and future powertrain solutions quickly and efficiently.
C-ALPS will offer the site to OEMs, SMEs in the supply chain, and technology partners, as the automotive industry looks to accelerate creation of new propulsion systems. Initially, 36 new jobs will be created, with a number of apprentices and graduates from Coventry University already appointed.
“This collaboration is very encouraging news and a welcome boost for the UK automotive industry,” explained Prof. Richard Dashwood, deputy vice-chancellor at Coventry University. “We have a real opportunity for the country to lead the rest of the world when it comes to developing low-carbon propulsion systems and C-ALPS has a major role to play in making this happen.”
FEV UK moved into the new facility in January, using it as its UK test center, expanding its business operation and further increasing the local execution of projects close to its customers.
More than £27m (US$36m) of capital investment has been channeled into the building to create the infrastructure that will allow FEV’s internal combustion and electrification testbeds to satisfy commercial testing requirements for current and future powertrain systems.
The site houses test benches for powertrain components, including turbochargers, catalytic converters, battery systems and electric machines. Three leading professors have also been recruited to lead the research team, bringing with them significant experience and knowledge in battery storage, power electronics and electric machines.
