Quattro EV
Quattro Group's Research and Development (R&D) department is a dedicated in-house unit focused on engineering innovation and fleet sustainability. Based primarily at our Newton Abbot Depot in South Devon, the department operates as a hub for "Engineering Excellence" through high-level academic partnerships and bespoke machine development.
Our R&D team's work is centred on enhancing the performance, efficiency, and environmental impact of our extensive rail, road, and construction fleets. Up cycling of off highway vehicles and rail vehicles that are attractive to clients in urban low noise area’s and ultra-low emission zones.
The department specialises in transforming existing machinery into unique, mission-specific tools and vehicles upcycled. Diesel to Electric is the core focus of our Road to Zero transition and weighs heavily on Government funding as electrification without infrastructure can be considered a high risk, low reward category at time of writing as Zero Emission Aspirations are continually moved by the government bodies.
Sustainability & Emissions:
R&D is central to Quattro's goal of halving emissions by 2030. This includes trialling alternative fuels, performance emission additives, and upcycling older machinery to extend its service life. Electric vehicles require less maintenance and do not require heavy oils or diesel to be moved around to locations and are less subject to the oil price index storage or issues that come with storing large amounts of fuel and disposal of used engine oils as electric is less prone to use, leakage or being burnt off by poor combustion.
Technical Analysis:
The team conducts in-depth studies on hydraulic efficiencies, machine vibrational analysis, and fuel usage to ensure maximum operational efficiency using modern software tools and CFD for fluid motion, including convection, conduction, and turbulence of materials and gasses.
Remote Condition Monitoring: Through academic sponsorships, the team develops systems for real-time monitoring of the fleet to improve maintenance and reliability.
Writing amended maintenance plans and production of in house vehicles, Risk assessments and legislation requirements testing and verification.
Studies undertaken into component wear, heat transfer and duty cycles are recorded and analysed for motor tuning efficiency gains and product improvements
Strategic Partnerships:
Quattro’s R&D efforts are bolstered by collaboration with academic and industry leaders:
University Sponsorships: Our Company sponsors EngD and MEng students who conduct research on fleet-specific engineering challenges. Warwick University and local suppliers based in and around the Southwest. Our aim is to keep the UK supply chain bolstered and if in the South West a more attractive option
Centre for Future Clean Mobility: Quattro is a core consortium member of this Exeter Science Park facility, where they share engineering expertise with other industry leaders.
Awards:
John Carpenter Government award for innovation
KTP Merit for our work with Exeter University
Highly Commended as Rail Engineers of the year
Gold Award for outstanding project Innovate UK
Featured on Sky News, BBC news and various publications and trade magazines
Latest News
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13 Feb 2026, 16:20
Newly qualified plant fitter Oliver Noble shares his joy in achieving an early distinction at only nineteen years old.…
Q-Army takes urgent call to clean up coastal damage from Storm Ingrid
27 Jan 2026, 16:22
Late last Friday night Quattro took an urgent call to support emergency works on the South Devon coast after Storm Ingrid…
Quattro Named CRSA Aston Depot Supplier of the Year
24 Dec 2025, 16:16
Quattro has been named CRSA Aston Depot Supplier of the Year, marking a major milestone in a partnership that has been going…
Review of Quattro's completed recovery of Clapham Park shunters: “Flawless!”
17 Dec 2025, 15:59
Recently, Quattro completed the recovery of the Clapham Park shunters accommodation and control room. The scope of work…
Review of Quattro Traminator: "great work!"
10 Dec 2025, 15:52
Only the Quattro Traminator gets into the groove! Thanks Mark Davis MICW, General Manager of London Trams for this great…
Quattro delivers new energy-efficient escalator for Cutty Sark Station upgrade
8 Dec 2025, 15:42
Quattro Plant recently completed an important delivery operation at Blakey’s Yard, the access point closest to Cutty Sark…