Net Zero Transport
Find out about our Net Zero Transport research area below.
Our research in Net Zero Transport concerns the development of technologies aimed at eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. We lead this effort by advancing zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. We are interested in developing cutting-edge solutions, including batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid powertrains, and ultra-low emission combustion systems.
Research in this area not only leads to positive environment impact mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems, but also drives innovation, enhances sustainability, and creates economic opportunities through the development of advanced technologies. We have had significant successes in hydrogen fuel cell commercialisation, combustion of sustainable fuels, exhaust after-treatment systems, and combustion modelling using Large Eddy Simulation (LES).
Our key aims in our Net Zero Transport research area are to:
- Develop innovative technologies that significantly reduce or eliminate vehicle emissions.
- Enhance the efficiency and performance of batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and hybrid powertrains.
- Advance ultra-low emission combustion systems to minimise environmental impact.
The potential impact of our research includes a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, improved air quality, and a positive contribution to global climate goals. Our mission is to lead the transition towards sustainable transport by pioneering advanced automotive technologies. Our activities are supported by two world-class facilities: Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research Laboratory and Loughborough Powertrain Facility.
The battery and hydrogen fuel cell laboratory is a dedicated facility for studying electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices from fundamental development to system level. Within the laboratory, research focusses on understanding how devices such as batteries and fuel cells perform in real-world environments and how to improve their performance and design. This includes cell fabrication, lifetime testing, novel diagnostic techniques, thermal management, control and the use of fuel cells as sensors.
The Powertrain facility (LPF) is a unique research and development laboratory consisting of eight purpose-built test cells, with a capacity of 12 engines, a chassis dynamometer and electrified test cell with 100 kW battery emulator.
This modern facility consists of 'state of the art' engine test equipment including AVL transient dynamometers with PUMA test cell controller, Ricardo-Schenk transient dynamometer, Froude dynamometers, Horiba and Combustion emissions gas analysers.
The facility benefits from Lotus optical engine and AVL Single Cylinder Research Engines and Test Bed for development of engines, components, alternative fuels and lubes; with transparent access into the combustion chamber.
Our research activities
Activities we address include but are not limited to:
- Low carbon vehicles
- Electric vehicles
- Hybrid powertrains: hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
- Emission control
- Vehicle electrification
- Electric motors and generators
- Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)
- Batteries: cells, modules and packs, performance and longevity, NMC and LFP
- Smart charging
- Alternative fuel
- Fuel cell: low temperature PEM fuel cells, and high temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)
- Thermal management
- Drive cycle analysis, real-word efficiency, real driving emissions (RDE)
- Hydrogen combustion
