The UK automobile industry and UK government have announced a joint investment worth £73m into clean transport projects across the nation.
The aim of the project is to support the development of an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The five winners of the project are expected to support 3,300 UK jobs, while also supporting new methods of harnessing renewable fuels, developing new, more efficient electric motors and new materials to improve the environmental credentials of the industry.
Financing for the schemes has been awarded via the Advanced Propulstion Centre (APC) Collaborative Research programmes, which was established to advance the development of zero- and low-carbon automotive technology.
Some £36.4m of the funding came from central government, with the remaining £36.6m coming from the automobile industry.
Grant Shapps, business secretary, said: “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.”
The list of winners includes:
- HVS in Glasgow, which is due to receive £30m to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered HGV cab and tractor unit to replace diesel-powered vehicles currently used for road freight
- CNH Industrial, based in Essex, will be receiving £15.6m to develop the ‘world’s first’ liquid fugitive methane-powered, off-road, heavy tractor that makes use of methane gas from farm waste, that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere
- Toyota’s site in Derbyshire has been awarded £11.3m to develop a hydrogen-fuel cell version of the Hilux pickup truck, intended for use in setting where electric vehicle charging is impractical
- Constellium, based in Slough, will be receiving £10m to provide new sources of recycled aluminium to reduce the auto industry’s carbon footprint
- Electrified Automation, based in Somerset, is set to receive £6m to up-scale a new method for manufacturing electric motors that are reportedly more cost-effective, powerful and efficient than much of the competition.
What’s more, the announcement comes on top of funding from the government for the development of a high-value end-to-end electrified automotive supply chain in the UK, awarded through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF).
