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Tyneside Technology Drives Electric Vehicles
Technology engineered on Tyneside by a company with over four decades of expertise is helping to drive the world’s electric vehicles.
Sevcon, which is based on Gateshead’s Team Valley, is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of micro processor based controls for zero emission vehicles.
Established in 1962, the Nasdaq listed company employs 100 people around the globe and supplies a diverse range of controls for everything from forklift trucks and utility vehicles to electric scooters and other on-road vehicles.
During this time, Sevcon‘s expertise has helped it to build an impressive client list of the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturers including Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Ford.
Matt Boyle, Chief Executive of Sevcon, explains: “We’re a North East company with a global reach that’s a leader in its field. There are only four or five companies in the world that develop controls for zero emission vehicles.
“Tyneside is our engineering centre of excellence and where the intellectual property for product development resides. We have a skilled team of 60 continually working to enhance and develop innovative new technology. We do this in partnership with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, such as Polaris, to ensure our technology is engineered to fit.”
Sevcon supplies blue chip brands like Ford and US giant Polaris – a maker of utility vehicles - with products to vary vehicle speed and movement, integrate other functions and prolong battery life. This includes motor controllers, electric steering systems, converters for lighting systems, battery gauges and chargers - each one designed and developed in Gateshead.
And with interest in electric vehicles – particularly in the on-road and leisure markets – expected to rise in the future, the company is in the process of developing a new generation of controllers
Matt added: “We’ve been developing controls for forklift trucks, utility vehicles and access platforms for years. While industrial vehicles will remain core markets, we anticipate interest in on-road vehicles to grow as the search for more sustainable forms of transport continues. Whether it’s electric scooters or hybrid cars, Sevcon is in a strong position to supply this market as it develops.”
Sevcon has received help in its quest from Tyne and Wear Development Company. Through the agency’s Strategic Account Management (SAM) programme it has been able to provide long-term business support. This has included assistance with a new logistics programme to enhance efficiency and lean working at Team Valley as well as advising on access to finance and support for product development.
Alma Harrison from Tyne and Wear Development Company said: “Sevcon is really flying the flag for North East engineering. Controls designed and developed on Tyneside are used to drive and control some of the most complicated battery powered vehicles around the world.
“It’s an exciting sector with significant long-term potential and any support we can provide to Sevcon to develop its business is good news for the region.”
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