Electric micromobility receives £30 million boost

Belonging to a consortium of industry partners, Toyota – alongside the University of Derby, ELM Mobility and Savcor – is responsible for spearheading the project and exploring how a vision to expand micromobility can become a feasible proposition. 

Micromobility is growing in popularity because it addresses key bottlenecks brought about by private vehicle ownership; namely urban infrastructure struggles to manage the number of cars on the roads which results in congestion and pollution. According to global management consultants McKinsey, private cars made up 45% of trips worldwide in 2022. 

The use of lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, scooters and mopeds could all be viable alternatives – owned by companies and rented out to the public. 

McKinsey figures placed this market as being worth $160 billion in 2022, and it estimates it will reach $340 billion in 2030. 

The project will take place at Toyota's Burnaston facility in Derby, while outcomes will be tested at the University of Derby. 

As well as seeking a baseline for the needs of urban populations, the project will evaluate how it can optimise circularity by creating a vehicle made up of lightweight, sustainable materials, and it will create an integrated solar roof, designed and developed by Savcor, a consortium member, who will draw on their expertise in photovoltaic technology. 

The £15 million of government funding was awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme. It follows the launch of its DRIVE35 project, which was announced earlier this year and commits £2.5 billion of capital and R&D funding for the automotive industry. 

As part of DRIVE35, UK registered businesses can apply for grant funding for the manufacture of electric vehicles and supply chain components such as vehicle assembly, batteries, and electric motors and drives. 

Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK said: “We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important study. The funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility.

"The study acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen our members’ capabilities.”