Awaiting Public Project Summary

This project will result in the development and deployment of a zero-emission hydrogen-electric autonomous HGV. This addresses two major technological trends within the automotive industry and offers significant R&D and business opportunities for the consortium members. HVS (OEM) will produce new autonomous vehicle designs and powertrain packaging. Fusion (Tier 1) will build on its previous autonomous bus project, converting its market-leading technology to the HGV sector. Asda (Operator) will act as the end-user/operator of the vehicles, but will also work with the consortium to develop a new logistics and driver model based on the opportunities autonomous HGVs offer. This project will deliver an all-new autonomous HGV for the UK market, enabling significant efficiency and operational cost savings for logistics operators. The project will facilitate the early adoption of zero-tailpipe emission vehicles in a heavily polluting sector, through increased economic attractiveness and lifecycle total cost of ownership (TCO) parity with diesel for the HGV hub to hub operation. By including the vehicle OEM, the Tier 1 supplier and the operator/end-user, this consortium overcomes significant barriers to bringing this technology to successful deployment and has a clear route to market. Fusion are the market-leading provider of proven AV technology for the bus sector, having successfully launched the UK's first autonomous bus on a public route in 2022\. Working with the end user, Asda, the project will address the growing HGV driver shortage by offering better working conditions, improved skills development for remote/safety drivers, increasing recruitment among women and people with disabilities, as well as increasing operational safety. The autonomous technology for HGV long-haul enables a new logistics model to be implemented that makes better use of the existing UK road network, optimises time-shifted delivery, addresses driver working hour limits, and enables reductions in average speeds (increasing safety, noise pollution and efficiency) all of which feed into reducing TCO for the operator and offer significant environmental benefits.

This project will trial 81 dedicated gas HGVs ranging from 7.5 tonne to 44 tonne which are new to the UK market. Four vehicle manufacturers will be trialled across ten different vehicle configurations, creating a wealth of valuable data on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and cost. When using CNG/LNG, CO2e savings of up to 8% can be achieved, and biogas produced from waste will be introduced during the project, resulting in Well-To-Wheel CO2e savings of at least 70% compared to diesel. In addition five refrigeration units will use a prototype liquid nitrogen system, further reducing CO2e and air quality emissions. The vehicles will be trialled by five high profile transport operators across a range of different duty cycles, from urban to long haul. They will be supported by technical experts who will collate comprehensive data via telematics and portable emissions monitoring equipment, which will be fully analysed in order to quantify the potential benefits of dedicated gas technology compared to diesel. Two new state-of-the-art gas stations will be delivered as part of the project, in London and Birmingham, for which no funding is being sought, thus developing infra-structure that is needed to help reduce pollution from heavy transport, whilst keeping a low budget.

To develop methodologies/tools based on scientific evidence and business data that promote sustainable customer behaviour relating to product purchase and usage.

Awaiting Public Summary

Design for Disassembly This novel assembly/disassembly project aims to provide the first practical means to rapidly disassemble an item of clothing in a semi-automated, cost effective way. Initially this approach will enable zips, buttons, fastenings and other "contras" that “contaminate” clothing recyclate to be easily removed prior to processing. This will immediately benefit down cycling applications e.g. mattress, furniture and automotive products Outcomes A new generation of reusable or recyclable corporate wear (and subsequently mainstream clothing) is being developed in which joints (e.g. seams) can be dismantled and logos and emblems removed using new process technology. The potential to disassemble effectively will encourage the future specification of more suitable fabrics and fibres from procurement professionals based on the extendable life cycle of the garments.

Awaiting Public Summary