Lightweighting and battery recycling part of ultra low emission vehicles strategy

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Cars of the future will need to be lighter in order to help develop widespread use of ultra low emission vehicles.

The Department of Transport has revealed that as part of its Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles Strategy, that lightweighting will be one of three research and development areas of key performance.

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These are:

  • Lightweight vehicles and powertrain structures
  • Energy storage and energy management
  • Electric machines and power electronics.

As part of the strategy, the Government has said it expects a battery recycling industry will develop as electric vehicles become more widespread up to 2020.

However, by 2050, the Government hopes that every vehicle will be ultra low emission.

The Government will shortly consult on how to invest £500 million of funding to drive the revolution towards these low emission vehicles and establish the UK as the premier market for these vehicles.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “These are exciting times for the motoring industry as ultra low emission vehicles are the future for road travel. Our vision is that by 2050 almost every car and van will be an ultra low emission vehicle with the UK at the forefront of their design, development and manufacture. This strategy moves us up a gear in pursuing that vision.”

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The UK must be a lead producer and market for low and ultra-low carbon vehicles. We’re pleased to see the strategy set out a longer-term approach to the incentives, policies and initiatives which are needed to create confidence for vehicle buyers and manufacturers.

“We strongly support the collaborative approach with our industry which will help to secure the UK’s position as a leader in the development, production and use of ultra-low emission technologies.”