The University of Derby has joined Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) and key partners to secure significant funding to undertake a feasibility study for a next-generation lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
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.
From gov.uk
Press release
Government works in partnership with industry to unlock £30 million electric vehicle R&D project
Backed by £15 million in government funding, Toyota will lead a cutting-edge match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation in a major win for the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.From:Department for Business and Trade and Chris McDonald MPPublished15 October 2025
- Toyota to lead cutting-edge match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation.
- £15 million in HMG funding, supported by the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, will go towards accelerating electric mobility tech, supporting high quality jobs, and fuel long-term growth.
- Funding supports the government’s ambition to boost business investment in advanced manufacturing sector by 2035, helping UK firms lead in industries of the future and deliver on the Plan for Change.
The government has enabled over £30 million in joint funding with industry to boost electric vehicle innovation in the UK.
The project, spearheaded by Toyota alongside other key project partners, will accelerate the feasibility of the development of zero-emission technology, drive innovation in cutting-edge R&D and support high quality automotive engineering jobs in the UK.
Backed by £15 million in government funding, the investment will support the feasibility of electric mobility solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the UK for zero emission vehicles and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
The vehicle will feature cutting-edge innovations including an integrated solar roof for enhanced energy efficiency, advanced connectivity for smart urban integration and lightweight, sustainable materials designed for recyclability.
The project includes key partners such as the University of Derby and Elm Mobility Limited, combining academic expertise and entrepreneurial agility to deliver a transformative mobility solution.
Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:
This shows the power of our partnership with industry, driving innovation and helping investors build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK as we deliver on our Plan for Change.
Economic growth is our number one priority, and by funding our world leading auto sector our modern Industrial Strategy is creating the right conditions for increased investment, bringing growth, supporting jobs, and opportunities to every part of the UK.
Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of TMUK, said:
We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important feasibility study. This funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The project acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen the capabilities of our members.
The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing electric micro mobility vehicles in the UK, supporting high quality automotive engineering jobs and deepening the knowledge and skills within the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The multi-million-pound funding package has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme, helping to unlock further private investment and supporting the government’s ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles in the UK.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC):
APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed and tested in the UK.
Earlier this year, the government announced the launch of DRIVE35 to support the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Announced in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it offers £2.5 billion in capital and R&D funding to 2035. The programme backs everything from large-scale gigafactories to start-ups and prototypes for strategic vehicle technologies, aiming to boost innovation, attract investment, and strengthen the UK’s automotive supply chain.
Since its foundation in 2013, the APC R&D programme has supported 354 low-carbon and zero-emission projects involving 614 partners. Working with companies of all sizes, this funding since 2013 is estimated to have helped create or safeguard over 59,000 jobs in the UK. The technologies and products are projected to save over 425 million tonnes of CO2.
ENDS
Advanced Propulsion Centre press release:
Toyota leads multi-million-pound micromobility research project
15 October 2025
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has announced the latest project funded through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme.
Toyota will lead a consortium to research and develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle in Derbyshire.
The project aims to meet the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport by validating a novel, lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category.
Underlining Toyota’s commitment to investing in the UK’s R&D capabilities, it will be manufactured at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s (TMUK) Burnaston site.
The vehicle addresses the growing demand for sustainable micro-mobility solutions and includes an integrated solar roof, increased connectivity, and lightweight sustainable materials supporting recovery and recycling.
The £30.3 million project includes a £15 million grant from the Department for Business and Trade, supported by the APC’s Collaborate funding competition.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director, The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:
“APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this Electric Vehicle (EV) urban mobility project, which embodies much of what DRIVE35 aims to support – innovation, UK competitiveness, productivity, and zero emission vehicles. As an integral part of the UK automotive industry, we are delighted that Toyota is partnering with some of our innovative SME businesses, such as ELM, and our world-class academics from the University of Derby, to deliver a cutting-edge vehicle concept designed, developed, and tested in the UK.”
The consortium includes:
- ELM – a specialist in lightweight urban delivery vehicles
- Savcor – to lead the solar PV lightweight roof design and integration
- University of Derby – providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy
- Toyota Motor Europe – supporting the skills development of TMUK team members
Toyota Europe Press Release:
Brussels, 15 October 2025
Toyota-led consortium secures UK government funding for micromobility feasibility study
- Toyota, as lead of a consortium, has secured UK government funding to undertake a feasibility study for a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category
- Evaluation will be led by Toyota Manufacturing UK in Derby and includes partner evaluations of a solar roof, advanced connectivity, and sustainable lightweight materials
- Inspired by the FT-Me concept, the project illustrates Toyota’s continued quest to identify sustainable urban mobility solutions as part of its ’Mobility for All’ vision
Brussels, 15 October 2025 – Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to evaluate the feasibility of a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype in the L6e category. Partners in the consortium have secured funding from the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) – a non-profit organisation supporting the development of zero emission technologies and new mobility concepts.
As many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments, this feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s ongoing commitment to exploring next-generation mobility solutions. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport.
The new vehicle study will be undertaken at TMUK’s facility in Derby, with its outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby – a consortium member supporting this research project as part of its net-zero carbon ambitions. The feasibility study will encompass a range of innovative areas, including an integrated solar roof – designed and developed by Savcor – and enhanced digital connectivity. The study will also evaluate solutions to optimise circularity through the use of recycled lightweight, sustainable materials. It will also explore the potential for component commonisation with ELM’s lightweight last-mile solution.
Drawing inspiration from the FT-Me concept, unveiled in March 2025 as Toyota’s vision for future micromobility in Europe, the study builds on the positive public response to the concept’s design and purpose. The study also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition that is aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.
The consortium includes:
- ELM Mobility Limited – designer and producer of a purpose-built urban last mile delivery vehicle.
- Savcor – to lead the solar PV lightweight roof design and integration.
- University of Derby – providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy.
- Toyota Motor Europe – supporting the skills development of TMUK team members.
Together, the consortium partners are studying how to shape a smarter and more sustainable future for urban mobility across Europe.
“
We are delighted to receive support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for this important feasibility study. This funding allows us to advance our understanding around the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge battery electric vehicle that addresses the growing demand for sustainable urban mobility. The project acknowledges TMUK’s overall project excellence and will further strengthen the capabilities of our members.
Dariusz Mikolajczak, Managing Director of TMUK
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About the Advanced Propulsion Centre
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) collaborates with UK government, the automotive industry, and academia to facilitate driving research and investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Established in 2013 and jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the automotive industry, the APC accelerates the technologies that support the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and towards a net-zero automotive supply chain in the UK.
About the consortium members
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.82 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.
ELM Mobility Limited will study the platform and components for commonisation, aiming to reduce dual development and creating economies-of-scale. The collaboration will support ELM’s strategy of utilising high-quality components whilst minimising their overall capital requirements.
The University of Derby will combine academic research with public sector strategy and private sector innovation to address how integrated mobility solutions can align with existing and planned transport strategies. Applying innovations in data centric engineering, market demand opportunities along with user engagement and experience, the University of Derby will explore how novel technologies will be adopted and accepted such that micromobility reaches the most appropriate users and locations, maximising accessibility and effectiveness.
Savcor will study a PV lightweight integrated roof solution, using their expertise in PV technology and vehicle integration. As partner of TME, Savcor will design, develop and validate a solar roof for the L6e vehicle with the aim to extend the range of the vehicle by 20% creating a solution that supports average daily use without charging.
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles and parts and accessories, as well as Toyota’s European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly employs over 26,000 people and has invested over EUR 12 billion in Europe since 1990. Its eight European manufacturing plants are located in Portugal, the UK, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Turkey. Today, there are approximately 14.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles on European roads, whose drivers are supported by a network of 28 National Marketing and Sales Companies and around 2,800 retail sales outlets in 53 countries (EU, UK, EFTA countries , Israel, Turkey and other Eastern European countries). In 2024, TME sold 1,217,132 vehicles in Europe for a 7.1% market share. For more information, visit www.toyota-europe.com.
Toyota believes that when people are free to move, anything is possible. In the pursuit of “Mobility for All”, Toyota aims to create safer, more connected, inclusive and sustainable mobility to achieve its mission of producing “Happiness for All”. In Europe, TME launched the KINTO mobility brand which offers a range of mobility services in 20 countries, and is growing its business-to-business sales of zero-emission fuel cell products and engineering support. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Toyota is working to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire business across Europe. A historic leader in CO2 reduction in Europe, TME aims to achieve 100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicles in Western Europe by 2035 and will continue to offer a full range of electrified powertrains to customers across the region with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles.
Prof Paul Stewart - University of Derby UK 