Coventry University and FEV launched a £50-million (US$66-million) facility for creating cleaner mobility. The Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS), an innovative collaboration between Coventry University and global engineering specialist FEV Group, will support the development of the next generation of electric, hybrid and combustion engines.

More than 40,000 sq ft of purpose-built space on the university’s Technology Park 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.

FEV UK moved into the new facility in January and this will serve as its UK test center, expanding its business operation here and further increasing the local execution of projects close to its customers.

More than £27 million (US$35 million) of capital investment 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 professors have also been recruited to lead the research team, bringing with them significant experience and knowledge in battery storage, power electronics and electric machines.