The UK Government has announced a £20 million fund for a research and development competition for innovative electric vehicle (EV) projects during British Science Week.
The competition is open to some of the most promising electric vehicle technology innovations. With previous winners including pop-up EV chargers and hydrogen-fuelled ambulances.
With some of the most promising electric vehicle technology innovations including zero emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or EV battery recycling, this investment will help to ensure the UK continues as a world leader in EV design and manufacture. It could also create 6,000 skilled jobs over the next decade, and help the UK build back greener.
The funding will help the government reach its newly confirmed target of phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. In addition to this, from 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully zero emission at the tailpipe.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Investing in innovation is crucial in decarbonising transport, which is why I am delighted to see creative zero-emission projects across the UK come to life.”
“The funding announced today will help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation, creating jobs and accelerating us towards our net-zero ambitions.”
Previous winners include a zero emission ambulance protype for London Ambulance Service designed by ULEMCo, which can reach speeds of 90 mph and travel an average of 200 miles a day with zero emissions.
Khadir Meer, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said: “London Ambulance Service has the largest and busiest ambulance fleet in the country. We want to play our part in making the capital a cleaner, better place to live, and our work with ULEMCo and Innovate UK is a big step towards that.”
Another previous successful bidder was tech start-up Urban Foresight, which was provided £3 million to develop pop-up EV chargers. These chargers rise out of the pavement, providing a discreet, safe and low-cost EV charging solution to those without off-street parking.
Gary McRae, Head of Electric Mobility at Urban Foresight, said “We are delighted to see the next phase of funding announced through IUK, that will help accelerate the uptake of EVs in the UK and encourage businesses to get involved in this exciting and fast-moving industry.”
Adding “The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles funding has really supported Urban Foresight’s growth over the last few years, helping us to collaborate with like-minded organisations and public bodies to bring new and innovative products to market.”
By Gabrielle Waterman. Story first appeared on Climate Action