£20m research fund for electric vehicle innovations

The government is launching a £20 million research and development competition, open to projects that develop electric vehicle innovations. This could include zero emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or EV battery recycling.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Investing in innovation is crucial in decarbonising transport, which is why I’m delighted to see creative zero-emission projects across the UK come to life.

"The funding 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."

Among the previous winners is a zero emission ambulance prototype for London Ambulance Service. Designed by ULEMCo, the ambulance can reach speeds of 90 mph and travel an average of 200 miles a day with zero emissions.

Another successful bidder was tech start-up Urban Foresight, which was given £3 million to develop pop-up chargers that rise up out of the pavement to provide a discreet, safe and low-cost EV charging solution to those without off-street parking.

The competition opens on Monday 15 March 2021 and closes on Wednesday 21 April 2021 11:00am.