APC-Technology Developer Accelerator Programme awards AIE grant for engine research

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) is a pilot programme aimed at small and medium sized technology developers.

Now, AIE have been awarded a grant by the APC to help the research and development of a brand new rotary engine, designed to be a low carbon solution to extending the range of electric vehicles.

The TDAP pilot was created by the APC to support companies with low carbon propulsion technology that can be applied to the automotive sector. AIE specialise in designing and building efficient and powerful rotary engines and their project to develop a system that can generate energy to charge a vehicle’s battery has been supported by a grant from the APC.

Nathan Bailey, Managing Director of AIE, said: “This grant will help AIE to develop a hybrid electric power unit using an exhaust expander. This uses the exhaust heat and pressure to generate extra power which can be used to prolong the battery life of an electric vehicle, thus extending the range.

“As well as increasing the range of an electric vehicle our new engine will increase power and reduce fuel consumption, fulfilling the APC’s ‘low carbon’ brief. With multiple applications including high performance motorsports and niche vehicles, we’re thrilled that the ADC/TDAP are able to support not only our work but jobs across the Midlands,” he added.