A UK government project has raised over £30m in joint funding with industry to boost electric vehicle innovation in the UK.

The project, spearheaded by Toyota alongside other key project partners, aims to accelerate the feasibility of the development of zero-emission technology, driven innovation in cutting-edge R&D and support high quality automotive engineering jobs in the UK.

Backed by £15m in government funding, the investment will support the feasibility of electric mobility solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the UK for zero emission vehicles.

The vehicle is set to feature innovations including an integrated solar roof for enhanced energy efficiency, advanced connectivity for smart urban integration and lightweight, sustainable materials designed for recyclability.

The project includes key partners such as the University of Derby and Elm Mobility Limited, combining academic expertise and entrepreneurial agility to deliver a transformative mobility solution.

“This shows the power of our partnership with industry, driving innovation and helping investors build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK as we deliver on our Plan for Change,” industry minister Chris McDonald said.

“Economic growth is our number one priority, and by funding our world leading auto sector our modern Industrial Strategy is creating the right conditions for increased investment, bringing growth, supporting jobs, and opportunities to every part of the UK.”

The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing electric micro mobility vehicles in the UK, supporting high quality automotive engineering jobs and deepening the knowledge and skills within the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector.

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The funding package has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme, helping to unlock further private investment and supporting the government’s ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles in the UK.

Earlier this year, the government announced the launch of DRIVE35 to support the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Announced in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it offers £2.5 billion in capital and R&D funding to 2035.

The programme backs everything from large-scale gigafactories to start-ups and prototypes for strategic vehicle technologies, aiming to boost innovation, attract investment, and strengthen the UK’s automotive supply chain.

Since its foundation in 2013, the APC R&D programme has supported 354 low-carbon and zero-emission projects involving 614 partners.

Working with companies of all sizes, this funding since 2013 is estimated to have helped create or safeguard over 59,000 jobs in the UK. The technologies and products are projected to save over 425 million tonnes of CO2.