School children design cars of the future with Government Minister  

Primary school children from Templars Primary School in Coventry took part in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) morning on Friday, July 7th, where they were given the chance to design their ‘car of the future.’

The event was hosted by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the organisation tasked by the government and the automotive industry to develop and fund low-carbon vehicles and supporting technologies.

Philippa Oldham, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, APC said:

“We are delighted to be hosting Templars Primary School today at the Advanced Propulsion Centre. There has never been a more important time to engage, encourage and inspire primary school children about the opportunity they have to make a difference. The current rate of change in technology from electrification to artificial intelligence is accelerating, but this technology will be business as usual by the time this group of students starts work. It is important that we motivate this future generation to get involved in STEM.”

Formed in 2013 as part of the UK’s industrial strategy, the APC supports the transition to a net zero economy. Funded by the Department for Business and Trade, the APC works with industry and academia to unlock investment in the research and development of net-zero carbon emission propulsion technologies that are zero-emission at the tailpipe, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells. Its mission is to accelerate the development of advanced propulsion technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise embedded carbon and improve air quality.

Minister for Industry and Investment Security Nusrat Ghani said:

“The Advanced Propulsion Centre is a brilliant example of how government is working with industry to deliver the technologies of the future.  What better place to give children the chance to learn more about STEM. The low carbon vehicles designed here will improve air quality for them and the generations that follow, and I was delighted to see their work and enthusiasm first-hand.”

Miss Stuart, Year 6 teacher at Templars Primary School, Coventry said:

“The children absolutely loved their morning at APC. Many of them had their solar powered buses held up to the sun to charge them all the way back to school and one child said it was the best trip of the year (which is no mean feat as we have been mining in North Wales and to the Houses of Parliament too!). Thanks for a really interesting day related to Engineering and Sustainability- we cannot wait to come back next year.”