Niche Vehicle Network Transitions to the Advanced Propulsion Centre
In a significant move for the UK’s specialist automotive sector, the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) is set to transition its operations to the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) from 1 July 2025. After 15 productive years under the stewardship of Cenex, this next phase promises a more streamlined and impactful support system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) striving to drive the shift to zero-emission vehicles.
The NVN has long served as a vital incubator of innovation, bringing together low-volume vehicle manufacturers and technology pioneers. Now, with APC taking the reins, there’s an opportunity to amplify that impact, tapping into the APC’s established programmes, networks, and funding channels to unlock new growth pathways.
What This Transition Really Means
Let’s not beat around the bush – the UK’s journey to net zero won’t succeed without the ingenuity of SMEs. They’re the engine room of innovation, constantly experimenting, adapting, and pushing technological boundaries. The shift of NVN to the APC isn’t just about a change in management. It’s a strategic consolidation, designed to better coordinate support for automotive SMEs under one powerful umbrella.
This alignment will integrate NVN activities with APC’s flagship initiatives like the award-winning Mobilise programme, giving niche manufacturers a clearer pathway from prototype to production. And crucially, it will make it easier for these innovators to access funding, guidance, and collaborative opportunities within a simplified ecosystem.
Reflections and Thanks: A Legacy of Impact
Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, looked back proudly on the NVN journey: “It has been a privilege for Cenex to support the Niche Vehicle Network over a 15-year period. Through the NVN R&D competitions, we helped channel innovation funding to SMEs across the UK motor industry supply chain, including drawing in new players.”
He went on to highlight the breadth of backing: “The funding has come from Innovate UK, the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, and the Department for Business and Trade – with the latter facilitated by the APC.”
Cenex now plans to pivot toward building demand for zero-emission fleets and supporting infrastructure, with a growing focus on connected and automated mobility.
Strong Continuity, Stronger Future
NVN isn’t being handed off to strangers. In fact, APC and NVN have worked closely together over the past eight years on numerous collaborative R&D projects, laying a strong foundation for this next step.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director at the APC, summed up the enthusiasm: “We’re passionate about supporting SMEs at the APC, and we’re delighted to build on the successes of the last eight years working with NVN. The UK has a thriving niche sector, with huge ambition and opportunity.”
He added: “This deeper partnership will allow us to offer significant value to SMEs in UK automotive, by providing our accelerator programme Mobilise, and a breadth of additional support via the Niche Vehicle Network.”
Bridging the Gap for SMEs
The collaboration strengthens the bridge between research and commercialisation, making sure that great ideas from UK-based SMEs don’t fall through the cracks. This means faster transitions from lab to road, particularly in areas like:
- Lightweight vehicle structures
- Zero-emission propulsion systems
- Electric drivetrains
- Smart vehicle systems
Scott Thompson, NVN’s Programme Director, also expressed his gratitude to Cenex: “As the NVN moves into a new phase, we’re really looking forward to working closer with the APC team. It’s a natural progression, which ensures that we can continue to support SMEs within the niche vehicle sector as they look to grow and expand.”
NVN: A Legacy of Innovation
Since its inception, the NVN has carved out a unique space for UK-based SMEs. It’s been more than a network – it’s been a launchpad, a think tank, and a partner to thousands of businesses working on technologies that wouldn’t otherwise see the light of day.
With backing from Innovate UK, the Department for Transport, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and the Department for Business and Trade, the NVN has enabled:
- Feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects
- Early-stage development of low-carbon technologies
- Market-readiness and production scale-up
- Cross-industry collaboration through showcase events and networking
And it’s these foundational achievements that APC now aims to scale further.
APC’s Broader Mandate: Fueling a Green Industrial Revolution
Established in 2013, the APC has facilitated over 300 low-carbon and zero-emission projects across the UK, involving 529 partners. These initiatives have helped create or protect more than 59,000 jobs and are projected to cut CO2 emissions by over 425 million tonnes.
That’s no small feat. And it’s part of a wider industrial transformation led by the UK Government’s Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), which APC manages. The fund focuses on strategic investment in:
- Battery cell manufacturing
- Power electronics and drives
- Fuel cells and hydrogen tech
- Advanced materials and components
By bringing NVN under its wing, APC can help niche vehicle makers become key contributors to these larger supply chains and bolster the UK’s global standing in clean automotive tech.
Tapping into Mobilise and the Innovation Engine
The Mobilise programme, launched by the APC, is a tailored support pathway for SMEs that goes beyond just funding. It includes expert mentoring, access to industry and investor networks, and connections with potential collaborators.
In tandem with the NVN’s deep industry roots, Mobilise could be a game-changer for niche vehicle makers. It provides the tools, connections, and confidence to scale ideas faster and smarter.
This merger of minds and missions could reshape the future for many SME players who’ve long been stuck between a great concept and a tough market.
A Platform for the Next Generation
The road to net zero is paved with challenges, but also ripe with opportunity. As the UK accelerates toward its 2050 climate targets, it’s becoming clearer by the day: the big breakthroughs won’t just come from the big names.
SMEs, particularly in the niche vehicle sector, are the hidden heroes of green innovation. They have the agility to experiment, the hunger to disrupt, and now, with APC backing, the infrastructure to scale.
With NVN and APC now aligned, the UK has a stronger, smarter engine driving it toward a sustainable transport future.
Accelerating Innovation, Together
This isn’t just a baton pass. It’s a leap forward. By combining the legacy of NVN with the strategic might of the APC, the UK is doubling down on its commitment to supporting innovators who are shaping the zero-emission future.
In a world where climate targets are tightening and competition is fierce, there’s no time to waste. But with the right backing, the right partners, and the right platform, the UK’s niche vehicle sector is more than ready to rise to the challenge.
