The UK has reinforced its position as a world leader in zero-emissions vehicle technology with the award of £89 million in funding to 20 cutting-edge net zero tech projects. This funding includes support for hydrogen-powered offroad vehicles, a new lithium scale-up plant, and revolutionary EV battery systems. It comprises four collaborative R&D projects, five scale-up projects, and seven feasibility studies for large-scale manufacturing facilities in the UK. The funding has been provided by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), with £45.2 million from the government and £42.7 million from the automotive industry.
Accelerating Zero Emission Technology Development
The latest round of funding, worth over £67 million, will accelerate the development of zero-emission technology in the UK. This support will safeguard and create jobs while promoting investment in cutting-edge R&D. Winners of the collaborative R&D competition include Aston Martin, who are working on a luxury battery electric vehicle platform, and Perkins, who aim to develop a net-zero, hydrogen-hybrid integrated power system for off-road vehicles. These projects alone are expected to create or safeguard more than 4,700 jobs and save nearly 65 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next decade.
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain
The funding awarded by the APC supports the UK’s ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emission vehicles. It will unlock private investment and contribute to the government’s goal of establishing a high-value electrified automotive supply chain in the country. This includes investments in gigafactories, battery material supply chains, motors, power electronics, and fuel cell systems. The Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the APC, is also providing funding to develop the supply chain.
Supporting Sustainable Technology Design
In addition to the R&D projects, the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN) Production Readiness Competition has awarded £1.1 million in grant funding to four UK SMEs. These projects focus on sustainable, cutting-edge technology design. Some of the winning projects include a zero-emission offroad vehicle with a highly optimised EV powertrain and a UK-made electric scooter prioritizing rider safety and product lifespan.
About the Advanced Propulsion Centre
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) is a collaboration between the UK government, the automotive industry, and academia. Its mission is to accelerate the industrialization of technologies, supporting the transition to net-zero emission vehicles. Since its establishment in 2013, the APC has funded 261 low-carbon projects, creating or safeguarding over 58,000 jobs in the UK. The technologies developed through these projects are projected to save over 400 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. By building project consortia and providing expertise, the APC plays a vital role in driving innovation, collaboration, and the long-term success of the UK automotive industry.
