Pioneering product developed to boost electric cars

Two North-East companies have joined forces to create an innovative way to increase the capacity of electric cars.

Cramlington based Hyperdrive Innovation and SR Technology Innovations from Durham are hoping their Electric Vehicle Range Extender will create a significant boost in the uptake of electric vehicles.

The extender is a low-carbon development which aims to increase the travelling time for electric vehicles between recharges.

Hyperdrive MD, Stephen Irish, explained: “The Range Extender works by generating electricity on-board the vehicle in an efficient way, with a lightweight and low cost design.

“This means we can significantly extend the travelling time between recharges.”

“The Range Extender sits alongside the other technology we are developing, all designed to help customers implement our low emission vehicle technology without sacrificing functionality and performance.”

The firms are also creating around 30 news jobs in their own companies and a further 15 in the wider supply chain.

Tim Scott of SR Technology Innovations said:. “It’s an exciting project as it allows us to combine our motor sport biodiesel engine experience with our hybrid power systems and adds further to the low carbon vehicle technologies we can provide from the North East.”

The project is helped by funding from the Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund, which aims to help companies in the low emission transport sector to market new products and create more jobs in the North East.

The Collaborative Projects Fund is managed by Gateshead College and Zero Carbon Futures and administered by New Skills Consulting.

The £2 million fund offers grants of between £50,000 and £300,000 and decisions are made by an independent investment panel.

Chris Baylis, Director of Hyperdrive, commented: “This fund offers a much needed opportunity for small businesses like ours to support activity and product development that would not otherwise be possible.”

The LETCPF forms part of the Low Emission Transport Regional Growth Fund, worth £6.2m which aims to boost the low carbon sector in the North East.

The Low Emission Transport Collaborative Projects Fund is currently open to applications, with a further £1m up for grabs before the final closing date of 24th April.

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