UK government announces £88m green investment

The UK government has awarded £88m of funding to 46 innovative projects to support zero emission vehicle technologies.

The investment is part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK’s (APC) Collaborative R&D competition.

The winning projects include ultra-lightweight vehicles, zero emission buses and new battery technology. Also benefiting are manufacturers of electric trucks for the NHS and Royal Mail, e-motorcycles and wireless charging solutions.

Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation Sarah Jones announced the joint industry and government funding during a visit to two successful applicants, Protean Electric and Gordon Murray Group.

Protean Electric is developing new power-electronics products while Gordon Murray Group is developing an ultra-lightweight vehicle platform for future vehicles. The two projects will receive £22.5m investment between them, saving 13 million tonnes of CO2 and protecting and creating about 1,000 jobs.

Green investment

The Minister said: “Labour is committed to boosting the jewel in the crown of our manufacturing base – the automotive industry. Working in partnership with industry this funding will drive innovation and propel the development of next generation zero emission vehicle technologies.

“From Royal Mail trucks delivering our post, to cleaner, greener bus journeys, this funding will back projects that will lower emissions across the country, while also supporting skilled jobs.”