The Swedish Energy Agency backing development of electrical vehicles in Trollhättan

The proposed support of SEK 86 million involves a continuation of the so-called Blixt Project. One of the goals of the project is to quickly produce a test fleet of a good 70 electrical vehicles.  Electrical vehicles have the potential to be significantly more energy efficient than conventional motor vehicles and thus contribute to reducing the total energy consumption of the transport sector. An electrical vehicle also has the possibility to regenerate energy, which is particularly important in driving situations that contain a large number of decelerations and accelerations.

The project concerns a continuation of development work in the electrical vehicle area and involves, among other things, the Li-ion battery producer Boston Power, who will provide the possibility for system solutions and allow further performance enhancements. This reflects the international trend towards integration between vehicle manufacturers and battery suppliers. In the long run, good preconditions are also created for Swedish-based battery production, which is already under discussion. The Uppsala company Electroengine will be responsible for a large part of the development as well as the integration with respect to power electronics, electrical machinery and battery system that will be used in the vehicles. Power Circle, the Swedish power industry's association, is contributing to the project with the task of finding recipients within the framework of the national demonstration effort.

The Swedish Energy R&D Board was very positive regarding the  grant of SEK 86 million for the project under the precondition that the government contribute the SEK 60 million that was announced.

Support from the Swedish Energy Agency comprises 40 percent of the supported costs of establishing the project.