The 12-month project is funded by the Technology Strategy Board under its Low Carbon Vehicle programme.
Led by Gordon Murray Design, the project will combine ACAL Energy’s Flowcath technology — which reduces the cost and improves the durability of a fuel-cell engine — with Gordon Murray Design’s iStream manufacturing concept, which allows for fast, low-cost production of lightweight vehicles.
According to a statement, these innovations could make carbon-emission-free fuel-cell autos affordable for buyers in developed and emerging markets.
Andrew Everett, head of transport at the Technology Strategy Board, said that the Low Carbon Vehicle Integrated Delivery Programme aims to draw out innovative technologies being developed within the UK that have the potential to redefine the current automotive industry view.
Dr SB Cha, chief executive officer at ACAL Energy, said: ‘Without carbon-emission-free vehicles that are affordable in both developed and developing countries, we will not address one of the core drivers of climate change.
‘By combining a low-cost fuel-cell engine with a lightweight auto platform and a low-cost production process, ACAL Energy and Gordon Murray Design aim to show that carbon-emission-free fuel-cell autos can be an affordable alternative to petroleum-fuelled cars, especially for the millions of new buyers in developing countries that will enter the market over the coming decade.’
The news of the latest project comes after ACAL Energy’s recent announcement that it had completed its current fundraising round, securing total investments of £6.1m.
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