2 min read - 17 Oct, 2025
Toyota to lead £30m electric vehicle R&D project
Backed by £15m in government funding, Toyota will lead a match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation in the UK.
Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is leading a consortium of partners to research and develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) prototype in Derbyshire. The study will be undertaken at TMUK’s Burnaston facility, with outcomes to be tested at the University of Derby.
The feasibility study illustrates Toyota’s commitment to exploring next-generation mobility, as many European cities reimagine their infrastructure to support low-carbon environments. The project aims to improve understanding of the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport.
The research will cover a range of innovations, including an integrated solar roof for enhanced energy efficiency, advanced connectivity for smart urban integration, and lightweight, sustainable materials designed for recyclability.
Funding has been secured from the UK government’s DRIVE35 programme via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Backed by £15m in government funding, Toyota will lead a match-funded project to boost zero-emission vehicle innovation in the UK / Picture: Toyota GB
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 study draws inspiration from the FT-Me concept Toyota unveiled in March 2025 as a vision for future micromobility in Europe. It also aims to explore and validate how Toyota’s vision can be translated into a viable proposition, aligned with the company’s environmental and mobility goals.
Alongside Toyota, the consortium includes ELM Mobility, a specialist in last-mile urban delivery vehicles; Savcor, the lead partner for design and integration of the concept’s lightweight photovoltaic (PV) roof; and the University of Derby, providing expertise in studying micromobility user behaviour and the viability of solar energy.
Rik Adams, innovation delivery director at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, added: “APC is very proud to be able to support Toyota with this 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.”
