In a significant boost towards achieving a net zero future, the United Kingdom has secured a whopping £89 million in funding for 20 pioneering net zero technology projects. These projects encompass a range of cutting-edge solutions, from hydrogen-powered offroad vehicles to revolutionary lithium scale-up plants and electric vehicle (EV) battery systems, solidifying the UK's position as a global leader in zero-emissions vehicle technology.

Leading the Charge in Zero Emissions

The funding, a blend of £45.2 million from the Government and an additional £42.7 million from the automotive industry has been facilitated through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). It underpins the ambitious goal of establishing a comprehensive end-to-end supply chain for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) within the UK.

Boosting Research and Development

A substantial portion of this funding will be directed towards collaborative Research and Development (R&D) projects, aiming to accelerate the advancement of zero emission technology across various sectors. Key players like Aston Martin and Perkins have emerged as winners in the collaborative R&D competition, focusing on developing luxury battery electric vehicle platforms and hydrogen-hybrid integrated power systems for off-road vehicles, respectively.

Saving Jobs and the Environment

These initiatives are anticipated to create and safeguard over 4,700 jobs while contributing to the reduction of nearly 65 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next decade. It signifies a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Fuelling Scale-up and Feasibility

A significant portion of the funding is allocated to support scale-up projects, assessing the readiness of businesses within the UK's automotive supply chain for growth and expansion. Green Lithium, for instance, plans to establish a lithium scale-up plant in Teesside, while Ilika Technologies aims to accelerate the scale-up of solid-state battery technology.

Bridging Innovation with Manufacturing

The investment also includes feasibility studies to prepare business cases for large-scale manufacturing facilities in the UK. This move is in line with the government's strategy to encourage private investment and establish a robust end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles within the country.

A Broader Vision

The funding is part of a broader governmental initiative, the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), aimed at creating a high-value, end-to-end electrified automotive supply chain in the UK. This encompasses gigafactories, battery material supply chains, motors, power electronics, and fuel cell systems. It's a strategic collaboration between the Department for Business and Trade and the APC.

Recognizing Sustainable Innovation

Additionally, the winners of the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) Production Readiness Competition were announced today. This competition, supported by the APC and Innovate UK, provides grant funding to UK SMEs spearheading sustainable, cutting-edge technology design. A total of £1.1 million in grant funding has been awarded to four projects, including a zero-emission Ariel Nomad and a UK-made electric scooter optimized for safety and longevity.

A Pioneering Leap

This monumental investment and commitment to innovation reinforce the UK's dedication to leading the charge in zero-emission vehicle technology. It not only sets a precedent for sustainable practices but also solidifies the nation's position on the global stage in the quest for a cleaner and greener tomorrow.