Toyota leads multi-million-pound micromobility research project
16 Oct 2025
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has announced the latest project funded through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme.
Toyota will lead a consortium to research and develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle in Derbyshire.
The project aims to meet the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport by validating a novel, lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category.
Underlining Toyota’s commitment to investing in the UK’s R&D capabilities, it will be manufactured at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) Burnaston site.
The vehicle addresses the growing demand for sustainable micro-mobility solutions and includes an integrated solar roof, increased connectivity, and lightweight sustainable materials supporting recovery and recycling.
The £30.3 million project includes a £15 million grant from the Department for Business and Trade, supported by the APC’s Collaborate funding competition.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:
“APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby, to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed, and tested in the UK.”
The consortium includes:
ELM – a specialist in lightweight urban delivery vehicles
Savcor – to lead the solar PV lightweight roof design and integration
UniversityofDerby – providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy
ToyotaMotorEurope – supporting the skills development of TMUK team members
Toyota leads multi-million-pound micromobility research project
16 Oct 2025
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has announced the latest project funded through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme.
Toyota will lead a consortium to research and develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle in Derbyshire.
The project aims to meet the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport by validating a novel, lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category.
Underlining Toyota’s commitment to investing in the UK’s R&D capabilities, it will be manufactured at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) Burnaston site.
The vehicle addresses the growing demand for sustainable micro-mobility solutions and includes an integrated solar roof, increased connectivity, and lightweight sustainable materials supporting recovery and recycling.
The £30.3 million project includes a £15 million grant from the Department for Business and Trade, supported by the APC’s Collaborate funding competition.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:
The consortium includes: