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Developing low carbon automotive capability: apply for funding

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £20 million for UK-developed late stage R&D in advanced low carbon propulsion capability in the automotive sector.

cyclist wearing a pollution filtering mask riding in front of a bus

This Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK competition is looking for projects that demonstrate the development of on-vehicle technologies for on or off-road vehicles.

Cutting emissions

Projects must either accelerate the development of low and zero tailpipe emission capable technologies, or demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions leading to air quality improvements.

Proposals should align with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and must demonstrate how high value R&D will take place in the UK as a result of this funding.

The Advanced Propulsion Centre is particularly looking for projects that support the UK’s long-term supply chain, associated capabilities and growth aspirations.

This includes, improving productivity and competitiveness in the design, build and manufacture of low and zero tailpipe-emission capable vehicles.

detail of a car exhaust and fumes

Economic impact

If your application can demonstrate a positive impact on the UK economy it will take priority.

This can include projects that will make a major investment in:

  • creating new supply chains supporting the transition to electrification and zero emission vehicles
  • adding resilience to existing supply chains
  • delivering a UK-centric high value manufacturing and sourcing footprint
  • lowering the overall cost of goods sold to customers
  • joining together (simplifying) less productive or mature elements of existing UK supply chains
  • attracting new companies into the sector
  • risk screening and due diligence to identify risks in the proposed supply chain developments
  • improving the manufacturing readiness level of your technology

Automotive focus

Your project must concentrate on the automotive market as its primary application.

The project must be directly focused on or relate to one or more of the following strategic technology themes:

  • alternative propulsion systems
  • electric machines and power electronics
  • energy storage and energy management
  • lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures
  • thermal propulsion systems that deliver substantial improvements

Competition information

  • the project must be led by a UK business
  • it must be based in the UK
  • it must involve at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
  • it must include a vehicle manufacturer or tier 1 supplier
  • total eligible costs must be 50% match funded and between £5-40 million

The competition is open for applications and the deadline is midday on 16 October 2019.

Find out more and apply

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Published 19 August 2019