Business Innovation Fund: Fellten’s augmented reality app

The UK's Electric Vehicle industry is growing rapidly, with 840,000 fully electric cars on UK roads in August 2023. However, there is a need for more specialist knowledge and training for mechanics to service, repair or adapt EVs. This presents a significant challenge as mechanics may lose business, and their skills may become obsolete as we transition to a net-zero future.

Fellten, formerly Zero EV Conversions Ltd, a South Gloucestershire-based company, designs, manufactures and sells components and bolt-on, plug-in systems for converting vehicles from combustion engines to electric power. Fully ISO certified, they also provide Level 3 City and Guilds qualification courses for EV maintenance and repair.

Taking action

With support from the Business Innovation Fund, they are building and integrating an augmented reality (AR) app into their training programme.

This technology will allow users to utilise a camera to hover over a physical item, such as a battery pack, visualise different vital aspects of the system and how they align, and provide other important information, such as capacity and safety warnings.

The training programme could be the first that uses AR mobile technology in a training product for EV conversions.

The research and development activity supported was particularly compelling as it sought to tackle economic obstacles in the automotive industry as it transitioned to net zero and had the potential to lead to substantial benefit for the West of England region, including via job creation and development of a training programme that caters to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The innovative concept is an excellent example of how companies can use technology to develop new products and services.

By providing AR technology in their training course, Fellten is making it easier for mechanics and consumers to learn about EV maintenance and repair, ensuring their skills remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. The impact of this project could extend beyond the UK's EV industry, paving the way for other innovative training programmes to use AR technology to enhance learning experiences.