#UK Government Awards Gordon Murray Group Funding for Electric Car Platform Development
##Introduction
The UK government has announced that the Gordon Murray Group (GMG) will receive a share of an £88 million innovation fund to support the development of an “ultra-lightweight” electric car platform. GMG, named after its founder Formula 1 engineering legend Gordon Murray, is among 46 UK companies to receive funding through the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Collaborative R&D competition. This article will explore the details of the funding, GMG’s plans for the platform, and the broader implications for the UK’s electric vehicle industry.
##GMG’s Share of the Funding and Collaborative Efforts
GMG will receive approximately a quarter of the total funding, amounting to £22.5 million, including an £11 million government grant. The company will partner with Surrey-based Protean Electric, a developer of in-wheel motors for electric vehicles, for this project. The collaboration aims to develop a new “ultra-lightweight vehicle platform for future vehicles” called M-Lighten.
##Benefits of the Ultra-Lightweight Vehicle Platform
Although GMG has not disclosed specific details regarding the M-Lighten platform or its intended use, the company’s strategy and business director, Jean-Philippe Launberg, highlighted the platform’s potential to make cars significantly more energy-efficient to build and run. This focus on lightweighting aligns with GMG’s goal of contributing to the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Additionally, Launberg emphasized that the ultra-lightweighting achieved through M-Lighten will enhance the already legendary dynamics of GMG’s cars, taking driving perfection to the next level.
##GMG’s Previous Work and Growth Plans
Since its establishment in 2017, GMG has made significant strides in the automotive industry. The company has unveiled two V12-engined supercars, the T50 and T33, and has announced plans for major growth centered around developing electric vehicles (EVs) for global car firms. In 2022, it was reported that GMG was working on a pair of electric SUVs, with a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing production efficiency.
##Implications of the Government Funding
The recent government funding is expected to support the productionization of the platform that will underpin GMG’s future electric models, including the electric SUVs previously mentioned. This funding will contribute to the growth and development of the UK’s electric vehicle industry, aligning with the country’s commitment to decarbonization and the transition to cleaner transportation.
##Protean Electric’s Role and In-Wheel Motors
Protean Electric, GMG’s partner in this project, specializes in the development of in-wheel motors for electric vehicles. These motors allow for more precise control over vehicles and eliminate the need for axles, driveshafts, and subframes. By reducing mass and enabling smaller batteries, Protean Electric’s in-wheel motors contribute to overall weight reduction and improved efficiency in electric vehicles. UK firm Bedeo has already utilized Protean’s motors in an electric Land Rover Defender conversion, which weighs roughly the same as the original car despite featuring a large 75kWh battery pack.
##Broader Funding Initiatives and Job Opportunities
Apart from GMG and Protean Electric, 44 other companies have received funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for the rapid development of various automotive projects. These projects range from technology start-ups focusing on decarbonization technologies to collaborative R&D projects and initiatives exploring zero-tailpipe-emission vehicle technologies within the niche vehicle sector. The APC has highlighted the significant investment in EV battery development projects, with the UK projected to require 110GWh of annual EV battery output by 2030. This demand has the potential to create a new, dynamic, and highly skilled battery industry, supporting approximately 270,000 jobs in the EV and battery sector by 2040.
##Conclusion
The UK government’s funding of the Gordon Murray Group’s electric car platform development represents a significant step toward achieving the country’s decarbonization goals and promoting the growth of the electric vehicle industry. The collaboration between GMG and Protean Electric, along with the support of the Advanced Propulsion Centre, will drive the development of innovative, ultra-lightweight vehicle platforms and in-wheel motor technology. These advancements will contribute to making electric vehicles more energy-efficient, enhancing driving dynamics, and creating job opportunities in the EV and battery sector. As the UK continues to invest in electric vehicle technologies, it positions itself as a global leader in sustainable transportation.
