A £50m state-of-the-art facility for creating cleaner mobility has opened in Coventry today giving a major boost to the UK automotive industry.
The Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS), an innovative collaboration between Coventry University and global engineering specialist FEV Group, is looking to harness cutting-edge academic and commercial expertise to support the development of the next generation of electric, hybrid and combustion engines.
Over 30,000 sq ft of purpose-built space on Cheetah Way will house some of the most advanced internal combustion and electrification test bed facilities currently available in the UK, creating a dedicated resource for testing current and future powertrain solutions quickly and efficiently.
The capabilities will be available to OEMs, SMEs in the supply chain and technology partners keen to accelerate the creation of new propulsion systems for use across automotive, aerospace, marine and rail sectors.
36 new jobs will be created initially, with a number of apprentices and graduates from Coventry University already appointed.
“This collaboration is very encouraging news and a welcome boost for the UK automotive industry,” explained Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Coventry University.
“We have a real opportunity for the country to lead the rest of the world when it comes to developing low carbon propulsion systems and C-ALPS has a major role to play in making this happen.”
He continued: “It’s all about bringing the best of both worlds together, using the expertise and track record of FEV Group in engineering consultancy and combining it with the academic knowledge of our professors to create a real centre of excellence that can attract funding, build capacity in the supply chain and, importantly, offer commercial testing services to car makers.
“Automotive is naturally the first target, but the technology will also be available to support the evolution of other sectors.”
FEV UK moved into the new facility in January and this will serve as its UK Test Centre, expanding its business operation here and further increasing the local execution of projects close to its customers.
The location in the heart of the Midlands automotive industry was a major attraction and the investment will create world class test bed facilities that will prove invaluable to the sector’s move towards new powertrain solutions.
Introducing the C-ALPS Centre
Operating within Coventry University’s Future Transport & Cities Research Institute, the C-ALPS centre has been designed by architects Broadway Malyan and built by Willmott Dixon to be the most advanced test facility of its type currently available in the UK.
More than £27m of capital investment alone has been channelled into the industry-leading building and in creating the infrastructure that will allow FEV’s internal combustion and electrification test beds to satisfy commercial testing requirements for current and future powertrain systems.
It houses test benches for powertrain components, including turbochargers, catalytic converters, battery systems and electric machines.
Three world class professors have also been recruited to lead the research team and they bring with them significant experience and knowledge in battery storage, power electronics and electric machines.
Professor Stefan Pischinger, President and CEO of FEV Group, added his support: “This is a major investment for our company and underlines our commitment to growing our business in the UK.
“We made the decision to collaborate after the Brexit vote was taken and, despite all of the uncertainty, we see no reason to change our approach and believe the UK is amongst the most advanced in the world when it comes to developing the next generation of powertrain solutions.
“Coventry University is a fantastic partner and the expertise it brings to the table is significant and one we will undoubtedly tap into in order to commercialise new technology. It’s important to understand that whilst electrification of vehicles is critical, it is not going to happen overnight and there is a journey we must go on first.
“There is still a role to play for the combustion engine and how we integrate hybrid technologies more effectively – alongside and not instead of new developments in electric powertrains.”
Over 100 people from industry and local business groups were present today to mark the official launch of C-ALPS.
In addition to keynote speeches from Coventry University, FEV Group and a guided tour of the impressive facility, delegates also heard from Ian Constance (CEO of The Advanced Propulsion Centre) and Richard Harrington, Minister for Business and Industry.
“This centre is a fantastic example of how leading international businesses are working in collaboration with the UK’s world-class universities to drive innovation,” concluded Business Minster Richard Harrington.
“This new centre will combine our heritage in automotive with our leadership in clean growth to develop advanced, cleaner propulsion systems and other transport technologies. Our modern Industrial Strategy presents the Future of Mobility and Clean Growth as global opportunities that the UK can lead in, helping create the industries of the future and highly skilled jobs.”
