Aston Martin, the renowned British ultra-luxury car manufacturer, has secured £9 million (Rs 91 crore) in funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) for its high-performance electrification strategy. This funding will further enhance the development of Aston Martin’s modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. The grant will be utilized for various purposes, including vehicle lightweighting, a digital toolchain, and electrification training.
Aston Martin’s Electrification Strategy
Aston Martin has set forth an ambitious plan to invest £2 billion (Rs 20,386 crore) in advanced technologies over the next five years. The company’s electrification strategy is an integral part of its wider Racing, Green, sustainability initiative.
Project ELEVATION, a collaborative research and development project led by Aston Martin, is at the forefront of this electrification strategy. This project involves six partners, including the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Expert Tooling & Automation, Creative Composites, Fuzzy Logic Studio, and WMG, University of Warwick. The aim of Project ELEVATION is to address the technical challenges associated with developing a lightweight, 800V traction battery pack and twin front electric drive unit (EDU) into a modular BEV platform suitable for a range of vehicles, from supercars to SUVs.
The Role of the Advanced Propulsion Centre
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) is a government-backed organization that supports the development of low-carbon propulsion systems. It plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving the UK towards its net-zero ambition. The APC’s collaborative R&D competition has facilitated over £1.4 billion of investment into automotive projects since its inception.
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Ian Constance, CEO of the APC, highlighted the significance of the funding announcement and its contribution to the UK automotive industry. He stated, “This latest announcement includes a diverse set of OEMs and suppliers that demonstrate the strength of UK automotive. They will further add to our portfolio of innovative projects and continue to drive the UK to deliver on its net-zero ambition.”
Aston Martin’s Electrification Timeline
Aston Martin is committed to developing a range of electrified vehicles to meet the evolving demands of the automotive market. By 2025, the company plans to launch its first all-electric Aston Martin. The following year, in 2026, Aston Martin will introduce its first plug-in hybrid model, the Valhalla.
Furthermore, Aston Martin aims to offer an electrified powertrain option for all its new model lines by 2026. The long-term objective is to fully electrify the company’s core range by 2030.
Conclusion
The £9 million funding secured by Aston Martin from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK marks a significant step. This investment will support the development of Aston Martin’s luxury BEV platform. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Aston Martin is poised to become a leader in EV.
