Feasibility study into a UK variant of the OX Zero Emissions Pickup Truck for the Agricultural Sector

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This project will enable the UK agricultural & land-use sectors to "build back better" from Coronavirus and expand automotive R&D in the Midlands.This will be achieved by establishing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of bringing an electric OX truck, e-OX, to the UK market. The e-OX is an off-road capable, high payload, zero-emissions light truck; a sector **world-first**.For agriculture the e-OX will:* Reduce vehicle emissions by 4.3Mtonnes of CO2 lifetime within 5 years* Increase productivity through increased payload offsetting labour shortages due to Covid-19 and Brexit* Reduce vehicle fuel and servicing costs by up to 80% p.a. improving farm viability* Reduce dependency on oil, exposure to fuel price fluctuations and need for diesel subsidiesFor GVT the project will add a new high-revenue market increasing the profitability of an innovative UK manufacturing and service business. For Penso it will bolster R&D.**Context**GVT is a start-up founded by a UK charity to provide affordable transport in the developing world. GVT commissioned automotive designer Prof. Gordon Murray to create an all-new vehicle designed specifically for low-cost transportation of heavy loads on dirt roads.Four diesel prototypes have been built and tested. At a major farming show, OX generated huge interest due to the high load capacity, and the simple, adaptable design.However, the OX was not designed for the UK market, to offer it here will require engineering changes to meet UK emissions and safety regulations.GVT are currently investing \>£1m in developing an affordable electric powertrain which will enable zero-emissions.This project will build on this by supporting the R&D necessary for UK safety regulations and building the commercial business case.It will enable the decarbonisation of agricultural transport by offering a more capable AND zero-emissions alternative to the pickup trucks found on most UK farms.**Vs a Toyota Hilux e-OX offers:*** 80% lower operating cost* 260% larger loadspace* 50% larger payloadIn this project, GVT will collaborate with Penso, a leading engineering consultancy and will seek agricultural context and knowledge from Harper Adams University (HAU) to:* Confirm the feasibility of creating a UK e-OX variant capable of meeting UK safety regulations* Develop a new compliant cabin design* Study the use of additive and composite technologies to deliver low weight and minimise investment.* Conduct in-depth market research into the agricultural sector demand* Develop a clear business case and route to market strategyThis project will pull forward R&D on a UK variant of the OX by a minimum of 2 years and enable the project partners to secure commercial funding for production by reducing investor risk.