University and Toyota take big step on way to create lightweight battery electric vehicle

A CONSORTIUM of partners, including the University of Derby and Toyota Manufacturing UK, has been successful in securing significant government funding to undertake a feasibility study for a next-generation, lightweight battery electric vehicle.

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

Funded by the UK Government's DRIVE35 with support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the project will explore innovative micromobility solutions that will redefine urban transport across Europe, making cities cleaner, smarter and more accessible.

The University of Derby is joined by leading industry innovators in the Toyota-led consortium, including ELM Mobility Limited and Savcor.

The new car prototype, which will be designed, built and validated at TMUK's Burnaston site, will feature advanced sustainable technologies, including a solar-powered roof, smart digital connectivity, and the use of lightweight recycled materials to support recycling and resource recovery.

The university will play a critical role in the study, leading on real-world testing and analysis, leveraging its expertise in micromobility user behaviour and solar energy viability.