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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.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp 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

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp competition is open for applications and the deadline is midday on 16 October 2019.

Updates to this page

Published 19 August 2019