The UK Government has announced £73 million in new funding for the development of clean transport technologies.

Joint government and industry investment will support projects across the UK in support of ambitions to build an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs).

The five successful projects are set to support 3,300 jobs, working on new ways to utilise renewable fuels, electric motors that are both powerful and highly efficient, and new materials to reduce the auto industry’s carbon footprint.

Glasgow-based hydrogen vehicle startup HVS is one of the joint winners, receiving £30 million to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered HGV cab and tractor unit to replace the highly polluting diesel-powered vehicles currently used to transport road freight.

Additionally, the joint firms include CNH Industrial in Essex, Toyota from Derbyshire, Constellium in Slough, and Electrified Automation located in Somerset.

Funding has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research and Development programme. This supports the development of innovative low and zero-carbon automotive technology, with £36.4 million coming from government.

This is backed by a further £36.6 million from the automobile industry – taking today’s total to £73 million.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps commented: “Our automotive industry is a world-leader, creating jobs whether in Essex, Somerset or Glasgow. Seizing the potential from new technologies will be a key part of its future success, while also making our roads cleaner, greener and more affordable.

“Today’s multi-million-pound boost – created by government working hand-in-hand with industry – will put these firms in pole position to pioneer these innovations, staying at the cutting edge of the global race for decades to come.”

Chief Executive at the APC Ian Constance added: “Supporting vital research and development in the UK, now more than ever, provides an opportunity to invest in transport decarbonisation as well as boost growth in the automotive sector.

“The £73 million of funding announced today furthers world-leading innovation in net-zero technology for the automotive sector and beyond. These five fantastic projects are all collaborative by design, led by high-profile companies with innovative SME and academic partners, representing the best of UK industry.”

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Funding comes alongside money being invested through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to develop a high-value end-to-end electrified automotive supply chain in the UK.

This includes unlocking private investment in gigafactories, battery material supply chains, motors, power electronics, and fuel cell systems. The ATF is being delivered by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

The government has also committed a record £211 million to battery research and innovation through the Faraday Battery Challenge, to help the sector deliver 100,000 jobs in battery gigafactories and the battery supply chain by 2040.

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