Project to develop hybrid electric systems accelerates

The project will see AVID develop a number of electronic systems and componentry for use in future hybrid powertrain systems to improve vehicle system efficiency.

Securing a key role in the prestigious project follows several major new contract wins for AVID, which will see the company develop hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain components for a range of major heavy duty and high performance vehicle manufacturers.

The annual combined mature production value of the new business is in excess of £150m per year and will drive huge growth at the Cramlington-based firm. AVID’s core expertise is the design of high performance power electronics and motors used in electric and hybrid vehicle powertrain systems, including pumps, fans, traction systems and battery management.

The company’s knowledge and pioneering technology is used by manufacturers of heavy-duty and high performance electric and hybrid vehicles to deliver highly efficient propulsion and thermal management systems. Manufacturers range from high performance passenger cars and motorsport, to heavy-duty buses, trucks and off highway machinery.

Ryan Maughan, Managing Director at AVID Technology, explained: “We have been developing powertrain technology for electric and hybrid vehicles since 2005 and are now seeing that market take off in a huge way. AVID has a proven track record for supporting programmes from concept to production, which is reflected in these prestigious new contract wins. It’s a game changer for us to be working with Jaguar Land Rover on this project.”

Andrew Bush, Advanced Propulsion Collaboration Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We are pleased to have secured this project working with academic and industry partners to develop future state-of-the-art electric hybrid vehicle systems and we are looking forward to working alongside a growing UK company like AVID Technology.”

Josh Denne, Project Delivery Lead at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, said: “This project undertaken by Jaguar Land Rover and AVID Technology, along with their consortium partners, will develop cutting-edge hybrid powertrain systems offering the potential to reduce vehicle emissions.

“This collaboration is a fantastic example of working together to keep the UK at the forefront of low carbon automotive industrial development, while helping to support and grow UK SMEs. We are excited to support AVID Technology and Jaguar Land Rover, along with their consortium partners, in this project. ”

AVID Technology has more than doubled in size in the last two years. Its growth in headcount is set to continue as it seeks to recruit more engineers to meet demand for its technology and research capabilities both nationally and internationally.

During 2017, the business invested over £2m in the expansion of its manufacturing and testing capabilities and is now actively seeking to expand the team with new employment opportunities in power electronics and other engineering roles.