Ben Howlett recently visited the University of Bath to see how its new Centre for Low Emission Vehicle Research (CLEVeR) will significantly boost low carbon vehicle research in the UK.
The new Centre will vastly increase the University’s capacity to explore much needed low and ultra-low emission propulsion systems for passenger cars.
The Centre will also allow researchers to work in collaboration with industry to carry out studies that address current and future challenges associated with low carbon vehicles and the wider automotive industry.
The CLEVeR facility, which will be officially launched in late September, has received more than £3 million of funding including £2 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Researchers, industry partners and the University’s students will have access to these world-class facilities where they will be able to carry out state-of-the-art emission measurements for vehicles in real-world conditions.
After a tour of the new facilities last week, Mr Howlett met Professor of Automotive Propulsion Chris Brace and Head of the University’s Research & Innovation Services Dr Jon Hunt, to discuss air pollution levels in Bath and how the University can play its part in the future prosperity of the city.
Mr Howlett said: “It was fantastic to visit the new facility at the University of Bath.
“I have a great interest in helping Bath become a low emission city and this Centre will enable the University to conduct world-class research transforming the automotive sector and helping reduce emissions in Bath and across the UK over the coming years.”
Professor Brace said: “We would like to thank Ben for taking the time to come and visit our new research facility.
“This exciting new development will allow the University to conduct essential research in the areas of future fuels, electric and hybrid cars. This is an interesting time for all involved.
Dr Hunt added: “It was great to hear Ben speak about his vision for Bath as a low emission city. The University of Bath has much to contribute; from our graduate talent to world class research and facilities.
“It was a pleasure to share our vision for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems.”
“89 per cent of the research carried out by the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering was ranked ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) and ‘world-leading’ (4*) by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), an independent assessment of UK university research activity”.
