The UK Government has invested £88m into projects that will contribute to the net-zero transition by decarbonising transport, supporting zero emission buses and new battery technologies.
The funding has been awarded to 46 projects across the transport space, including the development of electric trucks for the NHS and Royal Mail, e-motorcycles and wireless charging solutions.
The funding comes from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK’s (APC) Collaborative R&D competition and is split equally in terms of Government and private funding.
Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation Sarah Jones announced the successful recipients of the funding on a site visit to two of the project locations. Protean Electric, one of the successful initiatives, is working to create UK power products, and Gordon Murray Group is developing an ultra-lightweight vehicle platform.
The total investment for these two projects totals £22.5m, including an £11m government grant. Both projects are expected to save around 13 million tonnes of CO2 and safeguarding 1,000 jobs collectively.
Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation Sarah Jones said: “Labour is committed to boosting the jewel in the crown of our manufacturing base – the automotive industry. Working in partnership with industry this funding will drive innovation and propel the development of next generation zero-emission vehicle technologies.
“From Royal Mail trucks delivering our post, to cleaner, greener bus journeys, this funding will back projects that will lower emissions across the country, while also supporting skilled jobs.”
Other successful recipients include eight collaborative R&D projects, seven battery and motor feasibility studies, 14 micro-businesses, SMEs and start-ups specialising in zero emission technologies and six zero-emission tailpipe technologies.
