Jaguar Land Rover will coordinate a new government research project, called 'Evoque_e', that aims to develop advanced battery and hybrid technologies.
A sum total of £16.3 million - £4m of which was contributed by JLR - has been set aside for the Evoque_e project, which will start in October. Three research vehicles will be designed, developed and built, showcasing the next generation of powertrain concepts for all-electric, plug-in hybrid and 'mild' electric-hybrid cars.
Peter Richings, Jaguar Land Rover director of hybrids and electrification, said: "The aim of the project is to develop technology platforms which are configurable and compatible within the architecture of an existing production vehicle.
"The modular technologies include single and multi-speed axle drives; modular battery packs and integrated power electronics, multi-machine, advanced control development and torque vectoring.”
The project, which is supported by the UK's Technology Strategy Board, will see JLR lead a consortium of partners including eight companies and three universities.
Businesses involved include Zytek Automotive, GKN Driveline, Williams Advanced Engeering and Tata Steel, while the participating universities are Bristol, Cranfield and Newcastle.
"Research teams will look at how the speed of the electric motor can be increased, to reduce its size, weight and cost while enhancing performance and durability. We will also look at the use of alternative materials to both reduce the use of rare earth materials and for systems optimisation", said Richings.
"The outcome of the Evoque_e project will be new technologies with the potential for high volume production that are capable of delivering benchmark performance in terms of cost, weight and sustainable use of materials."
JLR has also announced that it will lead a £10m joint virtual engineering research project.
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All comes down to price and range
The Volvo V60 Hybrid has shown the potential for Diesel hybrid technology. All Land Rover need to do is find a way of producing similar technology at a more affordable price.
Company drivers will be drawn by the low Co2 emissions if the additional cost can be reduced and private buyers attracted if the range in electric mode can be increased.
Great future...
@xxxx - I can still think of plenty of manufacturers in the same position. JLR was clearly held back by Ford so it takes time and investment. The Jaguar XJ-e Hybrid Concept looked like an interesting way forward for the brands. I really like what they are doing so far. Now we just need to see some smaller more economical models.
Great news for the British industry and the automotive world..
.. just don't forget the contribution by Drive System Design