Skip to main content

Spark EV Technology selected for IM Accelerator programme

Start-up Spark EV Technology has been chosen for the UK’s Intelligent Mobility (IM) Accelerator programme to further commercialise its artificial intelligence-based electric vehicle (EV) journey prediction software. The IM Accelerator, a partnership between Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) and Wayra UK, supports six start-ups in delivering solutions to improve the UK transport system. Each programme lasts for six months and is based in the English town of Milton Keynes. Spark’s journey prediction softwa
January 18, 2019 Read time: 2 mins

Start-up Spark EV Technology has been chosen for the UK’s Intelligent Mobility (IM) Accelerator programme to further commercialise its artificial intelligence-based electric vehicle (EV) journey prediction software.

The IM Accelerator, a partnership between 7800 Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) and Wayra UK, supports six start-ups in delivering solutions to improve the UK transport system. Each programme lasts for six months and is based in the English town of Milton Keynes.

Spark’s journey prediction software uses machine learning to help EVs and hybrid vehicles travel further between charges using live data from the vehicle and driver. These predictions are expected to help drivers overcome ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that EVs will not be able to find charging points on longer journeys.

Gary Stewart, director, Wayra UK, says Spark’s solution helps to reduce transport emissions by accelerating the adoption of EVs.

Wayra UK (part of 6883 Telefónica Open Future) and TSC will provide Spark with office space, mentoring and network, access to the partners’ networks of investors, government agencies, customers and universities. In addition, Spark will have opportunities to work with TSC’s data, visualisation and connected and autonomous vehicle capability teams.

Telefónica, a Spanish multinational telecommunications company, launched the Telefónica Open Future innovation programme to connect entrepreneurs, start-ups and public and private organisations worldwide.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Intelligent powertrains could make cost cuts
    April 30, 2020
    Intelligent vehicle powertrains could be a way of making substantial cuts in operating costs and emissions. David Crawford looks at some far-reaching initiatives in Europe and North America
  • America explores road user charging options
    November 14, 2017
    Jack Opiola casts an eye over the numerous road user charging pilots underway in the US. In the USA, congestion mitigation and improving mobility have often focused on network improvements, increased road capacity, improved public transport, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or ‘express lanes’ and ITS measures – all of which require political capital and major funding. Nowadays, political capital is as hard to obtain as funding because more political leaders are recognising the decline of fuel excise tax
  • America explores road user charging options
    November 27, 2017
    Jack Opiola casts an eye over the numerous road user charging pilots underway in the US. In the USA, congestion mitigation and improving mobility have often focused on network improvements, increased road capacity, improved public transport, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or ‘express lanes’ and ITS measures – all of which require political capital and major funding. Nowadays, political capital is as hard to obtain as funding because more political leaders are recognising the decline of fuel excise tax in
  • Timing is everything for EV charging
    January 23, 2020
    Electric vehicles are often promoted as a more sustainable alternative to diesel and petrol cars - but their arrival raises concerns about the strain which charging will put on the grid.