Innovative, low cost ultra-low emission urban vehicle for business and personal use

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A six-month project to accelerate an existing R&D programme to develop an innovative, ultra-low emission vehicle. Project outputs will create an investment-ready proposition to attract short term and equity investment and start production and sales. The project will reduce overall programme timescales by approximately 12 months and overall investment requirements and risks will be reduced.This unique human-electric hybrid vehicle is aimed at two distinct markets, both directly relevant for COVID-19 recovery. Both businesses and individuals urgently need to cut their costs - including for transport. This is driving business demand for "cargo-bikes" for sole-traders and mobile workers. Individuals and households are buying more bicycles and electric-assisted cycles ("e-bikes").Policies and infrastructure investment designed to cut urban transport carbon emissions and air pollution are also driving demand for Low Emission Vehicles, displacing cars and vans. COVID-19 has discouraged use of public transport, amplifying demand for bicycles and e-bikes. Also, cities are introducing "low-traffic neighbourhoods" (LTN) where cars and vans are banned or discouraged.Large scale modal shift to human-electric hybrid vehicles is limited by design weaknesses dating back over 100 years. The features and benefits of the new vehicle overcome the key obstacles to cycling as a viable alternative to conventional small vans and cars for day-to-day urban transport. These benefits are applicable in any urban setting in the UK and elsewhere. The concept therefore has substantial growth and export potential, which will help support "green recovery" in the UK manufacturing sector.Most project work will be carried out by specialist sub-contractors appointed via competitive tender. External expertise and capacity will be bought in to support design for production, IP management, e-commerce, market testing and prototype manufacture.