Sevcon (Nasdaq: SEV), a global manufacturer of controls for electric and hybrid vehicles, has received a £400,000 grant from a UK government fund, which it will use to develop the next generation of its Gen4 controller.

The new low-voltage controller will provide additional functionality and improved performance in a smaller package than its predecessor.

“The product will offer unparalleled ease-of-use, allied with the ability to customize the functionality and operation to allow users with small product volumes to have access to advanced off-the-shelf electrification solutions,” said Global Product Manager Stephen Chilton. “Electrification aims to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines through such applications as the replacement of traditional hydraulic and belt-driven systems with electric motors, and some customers are predicting a 35 percent reduction in emissions.”

Sevcon launched its Gen4 controller in 2010, and has since shipped more than 111,000 units. The Gen4 is used in Renault’s Twizy EV, and several high-performance electric motorcycles.

Source: Sevcon