DRIVE35 investment to focus on zero emission vehicles
UK government will invest more than £47m in 33 automotive projects as part of its DRIVE35 programme to support innovation.
The funding, taken from a £4bn DRIVE35 package, is designed to support the UK’s transition towards zero emission vehicles while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains.
The investments will be dedicated to the next generation of electric vans, including improvements in batteries, electrification, advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and zero emission mobility.
It has been split across four areas of the DRIVE35 programme: 16 early-stage businesses, including start-ups, university spinouts and SMEs, will receive more than £2.7m through the Mobilise programme; a further two collaborative research and development projects will receive more than £8m through Collaborate, while 10 projects focused on demonstrating technologies in real-world conditions will receive £9m through Demonstrate.
The largest allocation is through the Scale-up Fund, with five projects receiving £26.9m to help move technologies from development into manufacturing at scale.
Industry Minister Blair McDougall said: “Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too. This investment will secure skilled jobs, strengthen our manufacturing heartlands and help drive the reindustrialisation of Britain.
“Through our Modern Industrial Strategy we’re backing working people and British businesses to deliver growth in every part of the country.”
