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BMW project to create long-range EV batteries receives £26.2m of UK government backing

  • BMW aims to address ‘concerns over how far electric vehicles can travel to rest’
  • Venture is one of four projects to receive government cash
  • Current battery technology gives around 250 miles between top-ups – project aims to extend this
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Time 10:43 am, August 19, 2021

The UK government has backed a BMW project to develop electric vehicle batteries with a range similar to that found on internal combustion engines.

The BMW venture is one of four projects to have received a share of £91.7m from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research and Development competition for low-carbon car technology.

The UK arm of the German carmaker, based at its Plant Oxford facility, will receive £26.2m and aims to address ‘concerns over how far electric vehicles can travel to rest’.


Currently, electric vehicles can typically travel between 150 and 250 miles per charge, with the top models now seeing in excess of 300 miles. However, many larger petrol and diesel cars could see over 500 miles between top ups.

So-called ‘range anxiety’ is often cited as one of the key reasons why consumers are reluctant to switch to electric vehicles, as they’re concerned about being able to charge if they get caught with a low battery far from home.

Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: ‘Seizing the opportunities that arise from the global green automotive revolution is central to our plans to build back greener, and these winning projects will help make the widespread application and adoption of cutting-edge, clean automotive technology a reality.’


Andreas Loehrke, head of research and design for BMW Motorsport Ltd. UK, said: ‘This is a really exciting opportunity to collaborate with world leading companies to develop high-tech battery technology.

‘It strengthens our UK partner base and safeguards and extends our research and design centre.’

The other projects included £9.7m towards ultra-fast-charging batteries, £14.6m for a hydrogen-fuelled heavy goods vehicle engine, and £41.2m to create a ‘radically redesigned’ commercial electric vehicle.

James Batchelor's avatar

James – or Batch as he’s known – started at Car Dealer in 2010, first as the work experience boy, eventually becoming editor in 2013. He worked for Auto Express as editor-at-large and was the face of Carbuyer’s YouTube reviews. In 2020, he went freelance and now writes for a number of national titles and contributes regularly to Car Dealer. In October 2021 he became Car Dealer's associate editor.



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