Newcastle University has acquired Zero Carbon Futures, a North-East based company that offers project delivery, marketing, training and insight into low carbon vehicles and future city technologies.
The acquisition of Zero Carbon Futures UK (ZCF) will aid the university’s research strength in electric vehicles and transportation.
The company manages Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects, delivers research into ultra-low emission vehicles and energy, and collects and analyses data from its projects to inform future strategy for its partners.
Through its specialised research into transport, electric vehicles and sustainability, Newcastle University will be able to provide a much larger platform for ZCF to develop further, while ZCF will bring a wealth of experience project managing multi-million pound projects, skills delivery, and EV strategy for cities such as London, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
Mike Capaldi, Dean of Business and Innovation at Newcastle University said: “We are delighted to welcome ZCF and their highly skilled team to become part of Newcastle University. Their team are already working closely with our University including with our School of Engineering. Their skills and experience are highly complementary to the University’s current capabilities bringing strong existing networks and relationships with organisations such as TfL, DfT, BEIS, vehicle manufacturers, power companies, APC, and the Faraday Institution. We think this partnership will be a key driver for continued success in our work on Future Mobility.”
Originally formed in 2011 by One North East’s electromobility team, ZCF was acquired by Gateshead College following the closure of the Regional Development Agency. After nine successful years working with major car companies, local authorities, industry bodies and in academia, both institutions identified greater possibilities for ZCF through a move to Newcastle University.
Colin Herron, ZCF lead and visiting professor at Newcastle University, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for ZCF. After nine successful years it became clear that our strategic direction was changing and that Newcastle University would provide a larger platform for the company to develop. We bring business and local authority experience and expertise, whilst the University will increase our scope and provide access to a wealth of research. Our ultimate aim is to research and develop new and emerging technologies as low carbon vehicles move into the mainstream and become a major part of our transport system of the future.”
Through its move to Newcastle University, ZCF has become a wholly owned subsidiary company of the University and all of its staff have been transferred to the University. The day-to-day management of ZCF is remaining with Managing Director Dr Colin Herron.
