Collaborative R&D Competitions

Jaguar Land Rover – TUCANA

Reducing the load for electrification

Stiffer, lighter vehicle structures are required to enable mainstream electrification of common vehicle platforms, boosting the adoption of electrified vehicles and improving their environmental performance. However, this requires a step-change in cost-effective structural performance at a design, material and manufacturing-level which is currently unmet across the industry. As an enabler for a zero-emission electrified vehicle platform, Project Tucana has the potential to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions and improve range and air quality. The project will deliver inward investment opportunities and strengthen UK capability by integrating existing automotive.

Lightweight Vehicle and Powertrain Structure

Anchoring a strong UK composite supply chain

Project Highlights

  • Producing high volume, affordable composites in the UK
  • Aims to develop stiffer and lighter body structures through the research and development of composite materials
  • Addresses structural performance at a design, material and volume manufacturing-level, which is currently not done across the automotive
  • Lightweight structures will enable mainstream electrification of Jaguar Land Rover vehicle platforms
  • Project partners spans the entire supply chain, developing a strong UK composite supply chain
  • Total project value £17.7 million, with £9.7 million funded through the APC

Project Consortium

Explore more APC-funded projects