The Department for Transport has committed £11 million to help develop powertrains for the vehicles of tomorrow. The funding will be made available through a competition run by the Technology Strategy Board, Innovate UK.
Businesses have been urged to bid for a share of the money to boost their ultra low emission technology projects. They now have access to £15 million, with the additional £4 million coming from Innovate UK.
To enter the bidding process, companies must submit their ideas to Innovate UK by 22 October, with applications required by 29 October. Each project will be judged by an independent panel.
The investment is part of a £500 million government pot to promote electric and ultra low emission vehicles in the UK, which was announced earlier this year by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said, “This new £11 million for research and development shows our support to UK companies leading the way to cleaner and greener transport technologies.
“They are investing in more efficient transport, and that is the best way to drive our economy forward.”
She added that the ambition for the UK is that by 2040, almost all new vans and cars will be using low emission technologies, with the majority developed and manufactured on these shores.
Business Minister, Matthew Hancock added, “Our automotive industry has been completely revitalised over the last decade – and with a new lease of life – a new vehicle rolls off a UK production line every 20 seconds.
“As part of our long-term economic plan, investments like this will make sure Britain is the leading light of the automotive industry. Through co-funding this competition, the government is increasing the opportunities for UK industry to progress further in low emission technologies, create UK jobs and capability, and ultimately reduce emissions through technology uptake on the road.”