Aston Martin has received GBP 9 million in government funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to further enhance the development of its modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. This funding is part of the British automaker’s ongoing high-performance electrification strategy.
Support for Aston Martin’s BEV Platform
The grant, awarded after a competitive selection process, will play a pivotal role in advancing Aston Martin’s luxury BEV platform. It aims to facilitate the company’s journey toward achieving net-zero emissions. The funding will be allocated to various aspects of development, including vehicle light-weighting, digital toolchain implementation, and electrification training.
Aston Martin’s Electrification Initiative
This funding announcement aligns with Aston Martin’s broader sustainability strategy, known as Racing. Green. The company has committed £2 billion over the next five years to invest in advanced technologies. This investment will transition the company from internal combustion engine (ICE) technology to BEV technology.
Project ELEVATION
Aston Martin leads Project ELEVATION, a collaborative research and development endeavor involving six partners. These partners include the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Expert Tooling & Automation, Creative Composites, Fuzzy Logic Studio, and WMG, University of Warwick. The project focuses on overcoming technical challenges to develop an 800V lightweight traction battery pack and twin front electric drive unit (EDU) within a versatile modular BEV platform capable of accommodating a range of vehicles, from supercars to SUVs.
Roberto Fedeli, Group Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the funding. He views it as a significant boost to their electrification strategy, reinforcing their commitment to innovation. The resources provided will enable further exploration of Aston Martin’s bespoke BEV platform, positioning the company as a leader in BEV technology within the ultra-luxury, high-performance segment.
Ian Constance, APC Chief Executive, highlighted the significance of this funding announcement, which coincides with the APC’s 10th anniversary. He noted that over £1.4 billion has been invested in automotive projects since the establishment of the APC. The diverse set of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers involved underscores the strength of the UK automotive industry. These projects contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve the UK’s net-zero emissions target.
Aston Martin’s Electrification Roadmap
Aston Martin is actively transitioning away from internal combustion engines (ICE), with plans to launch its first all-electric Aston Martin in 2025. In 2024, the company will introduce its initial plug-in hybrid offering, the Valhalla mid-engined supercar. By 2026, all new Aston Martin model lines will feature an electrified powertrain option. The ultimate goal is to fully electrify the core range of Aston Martin vehicles by 2030, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable and electric mobility solutions.