133872CURVE -- Compact URban VEhicleClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKCURVE will assess the feasibility of a radically new zero-emission electric vehicle. CURVE is a Narrow Leaning Vehicle (NLV) designed to meet category M ('normal' car) classification and provide a comfortable and familiar driving experience through technical innovations. CURVE will accelerate the drive to zero emissions: directly, by making EVs more affordable and attractive for key market niches, increasing adoption; and indirectly, by reducing congestion. Congestion in urban areas has been shown to double emissions. Academic studies and major OEM research (e.g. Toyota, PSA Groupe) have identified electric NLVs as the ideal vehicle to overcome congestion by maximising road space use and allowing lane splitting. Despite the well-publicised benefits of NLVs, they have not yet achieved commercial success for several reasons. Technical limitations in the implementation of leaning, steering, and suspension ride and handling have reduced the appeal of previous NLVs. Those that have reached production have been too expensive due to complex drives and controls. Moreover, because the entire market segment is new, there is an opportunity for a niche manufacturer to deliver the first successful NLV if the technical and cost barriers above can be overcome. CURVE will provide the manoeuvrability, comfort, and price point that will open the NLV market segment through technical innovations as follows: A novel hybrid steering mechanism that can switch between high-speed steering through lean and slow-speed upright steering through independent wheel speed control. This allows the vehicle to manoeuvre effectively in traffic and on the open road. A leaning mechanism that increases the lean angle (and hence speed) of the vehicle, whilst maintaining suspension at full lean. This improves both performance and comfort. A radical drivetrain technology that allows fully variable differential steering from a single downsized electric motor, reducing complexity, weight and cost. CURVE can succeed commercially because it will be sold initially as a niche product, produced by a consortium of small businesses operating successfully in the UK's dynamic niche vehicle industry sector. Stryker and PPSI bring patented enabling technologies, with experienced niche vehicle designer, DEE, providing the engineering and market knowledge to realise our vision. This feasibility study will validate our technology and business strategy, enabling us to move with confidence into the development of a demonstrator vehicle. Upon successful commercialisation, we will create a £16m p.a. niche vehicle opportunity, plus technology licensing, and contribute to achieving the UK's Road to Zero strategy.