MECS Programme wishes to run a pilot study for an eCooking battery swapping station to understand the potential for uptake and conditions that can support this activity.

MECS is seeking an experienced organisation, or consortium, to pilot the battery swapping station for eCooking. We are looking to understand and obtain answers regarding the study community and what factors enable the use of this facility; the potential viable technologies, both battery and cooking appliance; what does a sustainable business model look like and how users/consumers feel about and can adapt to using a battery swapping facility to enable eCooking.

The total budget is a maximum of £50,000 (including any locally payable VAT, taxes, and charges). Payment is contingent on successful completion of all deliverables. 

The research is expected to commence no later than 15^th September 2025. All deliverables must be completed and delivered no later than 31^st January 2026. The consultant/organisation should demonstrate in their response to these ToRs how the work can be completed within the time available. 

The University will accept the quotation which is the best value for money i.e. a balance between cost and quality. Shortlisted organisations may be invited to an interview (online) to finalise selection.

Responses should be a maximum of 12 pages (plus up to 3 CVs, 2 pages each). Responses over this length will not be assessed.

Please send all responses to mecs@lboro.ac.uk with the subject ‘eCook Battery Swap. All proposals must be received by Sunday 3^rd August, 23:55 British Summer Time (BST). The time will be determined using the time of arrival in the MECS inbox. Any offers received after 23:55 will be rejected.

For further information about this project, the scope of work and how to apply, Download the PDF document.