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Advanced Ultra-Low Carbon and Carbon Neutral Fuels for Hybrid Powertrain applicable to Heavy Goods Vehicle Application

Doctoral Training Grant Funding Information 

This funding model includes a 36 month fully funded PhD Studentship, set in-line with UK Research & Innovation values. For 2025/6, this will be £20,780 per year. The tax-free stipend will be paid monthly. This PhD Studentship also includes a Full-Time Fee Scholarship for up to 3 years. The funding is subject to your continued registration on the research degree, making satisfactory progression within your PhD, as well as attendance on and successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice.

All applicants will receive the same stipend irrespective of fee status. 

Application Closing Date: 


Midday (UK Time) on Wednesday 17th September 2025 for a start date of 2nd February 2026.

How to Apply 

To apply, please follow the below steps:

  1. Complete the BCU Online Application Form.
  2. Complete the Doctoral Studentship Proposal Form in full, ensuring that you quote the project ID. You will be required to upload your proposal in place of a personal statement on the BCU online application form.
  3. Upload two references to your online application form (at least one of which must be an academic reference). 
  4. Upload your qualification(s) for entry onto the research degree programme. This will be Bachelor/Master’s certificate(s) and transcript(s). 
  5. International applicants must also provide a valid English language qualification. Please see the list of English language qualifications accepted here. Please check the individual research degree course page for the required scores. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

To help support you to complete your application, please consult the frequently asked questions below: 

Project title: ​​Advanced Ultra-Low Carbon and Carbon Neutral Fuels for Hybrid Powertrain applicable to Heavy Goods Vehicle Application​ 

Project Lead: ​​Mostafiz Rahman​

Project ID: ​​30 - 45488114​

Project Description: ​​

Electrification appears to be a promising pathway for decarbonising the transportation sector, responsible for 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Light-duty passenger cars and commercial vehicles form the majority of the fast-growing global electric vehicle stock and increasingly appear as sustainable replacements for conventional ICE-driven vehicles in recent years. However, for larger commercial freight vehicles and other heavy-duty applications, carbon–neutral alternatives to conventional diesel ICEs are limited in terms of their techno-economic readiness for widespread adoption. In fact, while a Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) with a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) powertrain offers no direct tailpipe emissions, it produces significantly worse lifecycle CO2 emissions than a conventional diesel powertrain. Advanced combustion engines fuelled with low-carbon or carbon-neutral fuels can be a possible alternative in this sector.

This project aims to investigate the combustion of such fuels (hydrogen, ammonia and other low-carbon fuels) in ICEs while adopting advanced low-emitting combustion strategies using advanced modelling and simulation techniques. It will then explore the pathways of integrating such ICE into hybrid powertrain models applicable to HGV and other heavy-duty applications.

This project will also assess the regulated and unregulated emissions footprint of modelled powertrain systems and evaluate their potential impact on urban air quality. Possible reduction in emissions from modelled HGVs and other heavy-duty powertrain systems could improve urban air quality, and therefore reduce human exposure to toxic pollutants.​ 

Anticipated Findings and Contribution to Knowledge: 

Detailed investigation on advanced combustion strategies for low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels in ICE may improve our knowledge and understanding, and therefore help wider adoption of such fuels and combustion strategies in developing low-emissions powertrains capable of meeting future stringent emissions standards.

The project outcome may also bring insights about the effects of advanced combustion strategies with low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels on ICE’s emissions behaviour and, therefore, help in developing ultra-low-emission fuels and engine technology.

This project may reveal the pathways of integrating ultra-low emission ICEs in hybrid powertrain models applicable to HGVs and other heavy-duty applications.

The outcome of this project will also reveal the potential of such fuels and engine technology to meet future stringent emissions standards, and therefore reveal their impact on urban air quality and subsequent health and environmental benefits.

Person specification:

We are seeking a highly motivated, research-driven candidate to undertake this multidisciplinary PhD project addressing the urgent need for decarbonisation and emissions reduction in the heavy-duty transport sector. The ideal applicant will possess a strong technical foundation in mechanical or automotive engineering and a have passion for developing sustainable solutions that have real-world environmental and public health impact.  

Entry Requirements: 

  • To apply for our Engineering PhD Research Degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Master’s degree in a relevant subject area from a British or overseas university.  

  • Exceptional candidates without a Master’s degree, but holding a first class or upper second class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, may be considered.  

  • We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers with appropriate levels of professional experience. 

Essential Criteria:  

  • Strong understanding of advanced combustion strategies in internal combustion engines (ICEs) with low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels, and challenges of adopting them in hybrid powertrain systems applicable to heavy-duty applications. 

  • Knowledge of low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia), and their combustion characteristics. 

  • Proficiency in numerical modelling and simulation of combustion engines and advanced powertrains using appropriate tools. 

  • Demonstrated ability to undertake independent research to solve real-world engineering problems. 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear and concise technical reports and academic papers. 

  • Strong interest in low-emission powertrains, sustainable fuels, and air quality. 

  • Capacity to work in an interdisciplinary research environment, integrating mechanical, chemical, environmental, and health perspectives. 

Desirable Criteria: 

  • Experience of independent/collaborative research in the subject area and publication(s) in good quality peer-reviewed journals  

  • Experience with advanced combustion concepts such as HCCI, RCCI, or free piston engines. 

  • Familiarity with emissions testing, pollutant characterisation, or lifecycle and techno-economic assessments of powertrains. 

  • Strong analytical, organisational, and project management skills. 

Overseas Applicants:

International applicants must also provide a valid English language qualification, such as International English Language Test System (IELTS) or equivalent, with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.  

Contact: 

If you have any questions or need further information, please use the contact details below: