Our history

Harry Ricardo was one of the most innovative and forward-thinking engineers of his time. His lifelong focus was to maximise efficiency and eliminate waste in everything he did. 

In 1915, Harry created the first British-designed engine to be mass produced, and founded Engine Patents Ltd, the precursor of Ricardo Consulting Engineers Ltd, and ultimately Ricardo plc. The private company was incorporated on 8 February 1915 and registered on 10 August 1915.

Although its objectives were wide-ranging, in essence, the company's purpose was to provide the finance and facilities that Harry Ricardo needed to continue with engineering design, research and development. 

The famous Ricardo Comet combustion system for high-speed diesel engines was developed, initially for AEC to use in London bus services. 

Following the tragedy of the smog disaster in London in 1952, which is believed to have led to the deaths of 12,000 people, it was clear that the UK needed to introduce robust and comprehensive air pollution controls for the nation. 

In 1953, air pollution modelling concepts are designed by Arthur Chamberlain, a pivotal figure at AEA Technology, which became part of Ricardo in 2012. These concepts are still used as the basis for sophisticated computer models. 

Ricardo designs and develops viscous coupling: one of the most significant motorsport innovations which turned world rallying on its head. 

BMW appointed Ricardo as the technical partner to lead the MINI powertrain programme. 

Ricardo launches its real-world driving emissions solution, which is now one of the largest real-world emissions databases available. 

Ricardo supports Riding Sunbeams, integrating solar power technologies directly into rail infrastructure.  

Ricardo delivers the world's first industrial sector-wide net zero pathway. 

Ricardo delivers major report for the European Commission on the lifecycle impacts of road vehicles. 

This report is believed to be the broadest and most comprehensive study of its kind to date.

The report assesses the lifecycle impacts of representative European light and heavy duty vehicle types (cars, vans, lorries, buses and coaches) with 65 different vehicle types and powertrain combinations.

It considers the production of 60 fuel chains for conventional and alternative fuels as well as 14 different forms of electricity generation, the impacts of vehicle (and battery) manufacturing, and vehicle use and maintenance including different ‘end of life’ scenarios. 

At COP26 in Glasgow, UK, Ricardo experts support 17 countries developing their climate commitments as part of the Paris Agreement.