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UK Government Pledges £20 million Investment in Innovative Electric Vehicle Projects
The UK government has launched a £20 million competition for innovative electric vehicle projects to help transition to all new cars and vans being zero emission by 2035.This could include zero emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or electric vehicle battery recycling.
According to the government, the investment will help ensure the UK remains a world leader in electric vehicle design and manufacturing, which will create around 6,000 skilled jobs over the next decade, helping us build greener buildings.
Among the previous winners was the London Ambulance Service's zero emission ambulance prototype. The ambulance, designed by ULEMCo, can reach speeds of 90 mph and travel an average of 200 miles a day with zero emissions.
Another successful bidder was tech startup Urban Foresight, which received £3 million to develop a pop-up charger that climbs out of the pavement, providing a discreet, safe and low-cost EV charging solution for those without roadside parking.
The government also published today its response to a consultation on ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans. This underpins our commitment to phase out this new vehicle by 2030 and for all new cars and vans to be zero tailpipe emissions by 2035.
The Government has also pledged a further £2 million to support small businesses and organisations to innovate through the Niche Vehicle Network, an independent association of more than 900 niche car manufacturers and engineering companies that promotes research into low carbon technologies.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Investing in innovation is vital to lowering carbon emissions from transport, which is why I’m delighted to see creative zero emission projects coming to life across the UK. The funding announced today will help harness some of the brightest minds in the UK tech sector, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in electric vehicle innovation, creating jobs and accelerating our progress towards net zero ambitions.”
