FEV and Coventry University to build low carbon technology center in UK

Research and test center will focus on future-proof powertrain concepts

An artist impression of the new low carbon technology center on Coventry University’s Technology Park (Source: FEV Group GmbH/ Coventry University)

International engineering service provider FEV with headquarters in Aachen and Coventry University have signed a 33 million Euro deal to build a clean transport technology center in Coventry that spearheads research into advanced powertrain development over the next decade.

Four state-of-the-art powertrain test cells will allow FEV’s and the university’s researchers and engineers to test and improve performance and emissions on a range of different powertrain concepts, including hybridized, electric, conventional and alternative fuel-based powertrains.

The new low carbon technology center will open next door to Coventry University’s recently-launched National Transport Design Centre (NTDC), creating a cluster of transport-focused research and development facilities on the university’s Technology Park.

The new test center represents a significant growth in FEV’s presence in the UK through its local engineering operation serving the UK automotive industry with specialist services in powertrain development and an increasing focus on vehicle electrification. FEV already today works closely with a number of UK customers. These leading international names in the automotive and aerospace industries are expected to use the facility to develop cleaner transport technologies, with a significant area of work set to be advanced propulsion systems – a key innovation theme identified in the UK government’s industrial strategy.

“Close cooperation with leading universities has always been a crucial aspect which strengthens the innovative capability of FEV”, explained Professor Stefan Pischinger, President and CEO of FEV Group. “It was thus a logical step for us to invest in the low carbon technology center. The cooperation will strengthen our presence in the UK and offers a great base for future development projects to achieve lowest emission mobility.”

Professor John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “This new joint venture with FEV speaks of lasting confidence across Europe in the strength of industry and the quality of research and development in the UK. The facility strengthens our existing portfolio of activities in this area, building on the work we’re doing through the National Transport Design Centre and our connected and autonomous vehicles programs to take our recent overall investment in transport research and development to over £40 million. Coventry and the wider Midlands clearly remain a draw for international companies wanting to push forward innovation in vehicle design and development, particularly in clean transport technologies, and we’re delighted as one of the region’s universities to be playing a role in attracting such investment.”