Projects that significantly reduce emissions could receive share of £20 million

A £20 million funding competition by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has been launched, looking to invest in business projects that support the design, build and manufacture of zero and low-emission vehicles and technologies.

The competitions support the government’s modern Industrial Strategy under the future of mobility Grand Challenge. This challenge will transform how people, goods and services move around, including more efficient transport networks with dramatically reduced carbon emissions and other pollutants.

A 10-year, £1 billion joint government and industry commitment, the APC exists to accelerate low-carbon propulsion technologies in the UK. It aims to make the UK a global centre of excellence for next-generation low-carbon vehicle development and production.

The competition is particularly interested in the design, build and manufacture of zero tailpipe emission vehicles. Projects that demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, including motors, batteries, power electronics, hybridisation and alternative propulsion systems, are also welcome.

The projects must focus in alternative propulsion systems; electric machines and power electronics; energy storage and energy management; lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures; or thermal propulsion systems.

Ultimately, projects should support the growth of next-generation technologies and create more jobs in the UK.

The competition opens on 7 January 2019 and the deadline for applications is at midday on 6 March 2019. Total costs should range between £5 million and £40 million, with 50 per cent match funded by industry.