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Ricardo plc
Every day our global talented team solve the most complex and dynamic challenges to create a safe and sustainable world.
Company Information
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Conpas Rating

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Overview

Ricardo plc is a world-class environmental, engineering and strategic consulting company listed on the London Stock Exchange. With more than 100 years of engineering excellence, we provide exceptional levels of technical expertise in delivering leading-edge...

Groups

Number of Employees

1,001-5,000

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Services Provided

Consulting

Capabilities
Industries
Footprint
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Regions

Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America,

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Countries

China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States Of America

Additional Information
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Year of foundation

1915

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Structure

Public Company

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Offerings

Problems we solve

The Challenges That Call for Ricardo

Our clients come to us when the engineering challenge is too complex, too high-stakes or too time-critical to leave to chance. They come when they need to develop the next generation of propulsion or energy systems and lack the in-house depth to do it at pace — whether that is an electrified powertrain, a hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime, a hybrid commercial vehicle architecture or a high-performance automotive driveline. They come when they need an independent, technology-agnostic view: no vested interest in a particular energy source or platform, just rigorous engineering judgment. They come when they need to compress development timelines without compromising quality — when a faster route to market is not a luxury but a competitive necessity. They come when they need proven capability to transfer technologies across sectors, turning aerospace advances into maritime innovations or automotive electrification expertise into industrial energy solutions. And they come when they need end-to-end certainty: a partner who can take a programme from concept through prototype, test, validation and into production, protecting their IP and their schedule every step of the way.

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Consulting Solutions By Industry

Aerospace

AS9100D-certified solutions are provided for next-generation aircraft, helping clients develop and optimise propulsion systems that enhance resilience and accelerate innovation — from electrified propulsion system design to precision manufacture of mechanical components. Aerospace clients are partnered with to develop propulsion systems and supply mechanical components to support the future of safe, sustainable aviation. Capabilities span all engineering disciplines from systems engineering to hardware and software development, enabling the exploration and development of new propulsion system technologies including electrification, hydrogen ICE, fuel cell, and lower carbon fuel, as well as AS9100D-certified precision manufacturing for Tier 1 airframers and specialist aerospace manufacturers.

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Defence

End-to-end propulsion system solutions are delivered for mission-ready land, sea and air platforms, drawing on over a century of defence expertise to support prime contractors, vehicle design authorities, tiered suppliers, and defence organisations across the globe. From concept to post-design services, clients are helped to reduce costs, minimise waste, and protect lives. Capabilities cover propulsion systems (traditional ICE, electric and hybrid, fuel cell, hydrogen ICE, and alternative fuel platforms), transmission and driveline, vehicle conversion and adaptation, post design services, maintenance repair and overhaul, and full vehicle build — as well as decarbonisation solutions including electrification, hybrid, alternative fuels and hydrogen across land, sea and air applications.

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Energy and industrial

Changing energy needs require new ways of thinking about how to harness energy and make it more efficient. With a proven record of energy and industrial projects, comprehensive techniques used in the mobility sector are applied to enhance energy and industrial technologies, working with clients to identify new opportunities and transform the future of energy for their operations and communities. The practice covers off-highway and industrial machinery, mining, power generation and distributed energy systems, and data centres — with projects spanning negative emission cogeneration technology, heat pump codes and standards development, and hydrogen ICE for off-highway applications, applying proprietary thermal management technology to improve performance of server and data centre environments.

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Maritime

End-to-end engineering solutions for sustainable maritime propulsion are delivered — from batteries and fuel cells to e-motors and clean internal combustion engines using conventional and alternative zero carbon fuels including hydrogen and ammonia. As a recognised market leader, evidence-based analysis is applied to develop strategies and action plans that improve the sustainability and efficiencies of vessels, and identify opportunities for investment in low-carbon technologies and fuels. Clients are supported at every stage — from feasibility and concept to detailed design, analysis, simulation, controls and optimisation — across vessel types including small and leisure vessels, passenger and cruise vessels, naval and cargo vessels, and port machinery and infrastructure, with the aim of reimagining maritime power and charting a route to zero emissions.

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Consulting Solutions By Capability

Advisory

Technical strategy and advisory services covering market analysis, product positioning, regulatory intelligence, business case development, and expert witness support for propulsion and energy clients. Delivers strategic insights into competitive positioning, technology trends, and regulatory landscapes to inform product development and market entry decisions.

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Control and electronics

Development of control systems, electronic architectures, calibration, automotive software, and vehicle supervisor control software for advanced propulsion and driveline applications. Provides integrated hardware and software solutions enabling precise system management and performance optimization across propulsion platforms.

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Mechanical engineering

Automotive benchmarking, systems integration, and vehicle adaptation services supporting the mechanical design and development of propulsion and driveline systems. Combines competitive analysis with engineering integration to optimize mechanical performance and manufacturability.

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Prototyping and technology demonstrators

Rapid prototyping and build of technology demonstrators to validate novel propulsion, driveline, and energy system concepts from concept through to functional hardware. Accelerates innovation cycles by enabling early validation of emerging technologies and design concepts.

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Systems and attributes

Engineering services covering attribute development, noise and vibration (NVH), safety engineering, systems engineering, and thermal management across vehicle and propulsion platforms. Addresses critical performance attributes and system-level integration to ensure optimal vehicle behavior and customer satisfaction.

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Test and validation

Comprehensive testing and validation services for propulsion, driveline, and energy systems, evaluating performance, durability, and regulatory compliance. Ensures products meet functional requirements, durability standards, and regulatory mandates across global markets.

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Advanced Assembly

Ricardo provides advanced assembly services for prototype and low-volume production programmes across automotive, energy, and industrial sectors. The service integrates precision manufacturing, quality assurance, and production engineering to ensure reliable product builds. It supports rapid product industrialisation while maintaining high engineering standards. This helps clients accelerate the transition from design to manufacturing.

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Attribute Development

Ricardo optimises critical vehicle attributes such as ride quality, handling, drivability, braking, and overall performance. Engineers use simulation, testing, and calibration techniques to achieve the desired customer experience and regulatory compliance. The service balances safety, efficiency, and comfort throughout product development. It enables manufacturers to deliver competitive, high-performing vehicles.

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Control and Calibration

Ricardo delivers calibration services that optimise engine, transmission, hybrid, and electric powertrain performance. Engineers fine-tune control strategies to improve efficiency, emissions, safety, and drivability under real-world operating conditions. Advanced modelling and validation ensure compliance with evolving regulations. The service enhances vehicle performance while reducing development risks.

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Hydrogen Testing and Development

Ricardo supports hydrogen technologies through engineering, testing, and validation for fuel cells, hydrogen engines, and related energy systems. The service accelerates the commercialisation of low-carbon mobility and industrial applications. Specialists evaluate performance, durability, and safety under real operating conditions. It helps organisations adopt hydrogen as part of their decarbonisation strategy.

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Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Ricardo's NVH specialists improve acoustic comfort and minimise unwanted vibration across vehicle and industrial platforms. The service combines advanced simulation, testing, and engineering analysis to enhance customer experience and product durability. Engineers optimise designs without compromising performance or efficiency. This results in quieter, smoother, and more reliable products.

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Safety Engineering

Ricardo provides functional safety engineering to ensure products comply with industry safety standards and regulatory requirements. The service covers hazard analysis, risk assessment, system architecture, and safety validation throughout the development lifecycle. Engineers help organisations design reliable and resilient systems. This reduces operational risk while improving product integrity.

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Systems Integration

Ricardo integrates mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software components into fully functional systems across automotive and energy applications. The service ensures interoperability, reliability, and optimal system performance throughout development. Comprehensive engineering oversight reduces integration risks and accelerates programme delivery. Clients benefit from faster deployment of complex technologies.

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Digital Solutions By Capability

ALUMOTOR

A critical mineral-free, permanent-magnet-free electric motor solution using aluminium windings designed for light commercial, off-highway, and specialised vehicle applications where supply chain robustness and low cost are priorities. Provides a manufacturable, cost-effective alternative to conventional electric motors while addressing supply chain resilience and material sustainability concerns.

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BIOCCUS Carbon Capture Technology

A proprietary bio-power and carbon capture system that uses sustainably sourced biomass to simultaneously generate heat and electricity while capturing up to 95% of CO₂ emissions, producing biochar and food-grade carbon dioxide as by-products. Delivers integrated energy generation and carbon capture in a single deployable system, supporting decarbonization and circular economy objectives.

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Element Modular Transmission System

A family of ready-to-manufacture modular epicyclic transmission and reduction drive units for electric, hybrid, and fuel cell applications in motorsport, performance automotive, marine, defence, and off-highway sectors. Provides scalable, production-ready transmission architectures enabling rapid vehicle platform development across multiple powertrain types.

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EMLEG

A subscription-based online emissions legislation database providing expert-curated summaries of global vehicle and engine emissions standards, CO₂ regulations, and certification requirements across all major markets and vehicle types. Delivers centralized, continuously updated regulatory intelligence enabling compliance tracking and product certification planning across global markets.

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Immersion Cooled Battery Module

A ready-to-manufacture high-performance immersion-cooled battery module for motorsport, performance automotive, defence, and aerospace applications, featuring integrated BMS electronics and customisable cell configurations. Delivers a production-ready battery solution with integrated thermal management and control electronics, enabling rapid deployment in demanding applications.

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