UK’s £20 Fund Starts New Race For Electric Vehicle Superiority

Fund to help make innovation ideas towards zero-emission vehicles a reality announced.

Innovative ideas for zero-emission vehicles could benefit from a share of £20 million in funding announced today by UK.

“Investing in innovation is crucial in decarbonizing transport, which is why I’m delighted to see creative zero-emission projects across the UK come to life. The funding announced today will help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation, creating jobs and accelerating us towards our net-zero ambitions.” Said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps

The government is launching a research and development competition, open to some of the most promising electric vehicle technology innovations. This could include zero emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or EV battery recycling.

This investment is to help ensure the UK remains a world leader in EV design and manufacture, which could create around 6,000 skilled jobs over the next decade, and helping to build back greener.

The government has also today published its response to the consultation on ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans. This cements the commitment to phasing out new vehicles of this kind by 2030, and for all new cars and vans to be zero-emission at the tailpipe by 2035.

Among the previous winners is a zero emission ambulance prototype for London Ambulance Service. Designed by ULEMCo, the ambulance can reach speeds of 90 mph and travel an average of 200 miles a day with zero emissions.

Another successful bidder was tech start-up Urban Foresight, which was given £3 million to develop pop-up chargers that rise up out of the pavement to provide a discreet, safe and low-cost EV charging solution to those without off-street parking.

Innovations to increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles will make our air cleaner while supporting innovative UK businesses. Innovate UK has played a crucial role in helping businesses bring their innovations towards reality and we urge those innovators with bright ideas to apply for this vital funding.” Said Simon Edmonds, Deputy Executive Chair and Chief Business Officer, Innovate UK

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