Currently reading: Zytek scoops EV grant
Zytek Automotive will develop an electric powertrain technologies centre after £1.3m cash injection

Low carbon vehicle specialist Zytek Automotive will develop an electric powertrain technologies centre in Staffordshire after being awarded a £1.3m grant from the UK government’s regional growth fund.

The UK company will also invest a further £3.65m in the project, which will create 44 new jobs and boost research and development into next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

Zytek currently builds high-performance EV drivetrains from 35bhp to 94bhp and is developing more powerful 134bhp systems designed to meet growing demand for zero-emissions light commercial vehicles.

In total, the £5m investment will enable the company to focus on developing high-efficiency, lightweight electric motors, inverters and energy storage systems.

“Zytek has many years experience developing and integrating advanced electric and hybrid powertrains for several of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers,” says managing director Neil Heslington.

“This new investment will ensure that we can continue to drive innovation, allowing us to introduce next-generation technologies that will significantly improve the range and cost of electric and hybrid vehicles.”

New recruits and existing staff at the centre will be trained on the latest technologies, analytical techniques and test procedures and offered formal qualifications via partnering academic institutions.

“The award of an RGF grant is brilliant news for Zytek, as it underpins our planned £5million investment in people, test facilities and infrastructure,“ added chief finance officer Kerry Diamond.

“We are most grateful for the support provided by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP, in our application for this important grant.”

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