Competition winners receive funding for EV innovation projects

Competition winners receive government funding to develop new electric vehicle (EV) technology. 

The research & development competition opened in March 2021 with an aim to provide funding to some of the most promising EV technology innovations.

Three months later, 62 winners have been awarded a share of the £20m funds.

The winners include an onboard plug-in device that provides drivers with data on battery health, a kinetic battery that provides a temporary power boost, a zero-emission ambulance and the development of a solar-powered refrigeration unit for smaller commercial vehicles.

The government has said that this investment will help to ensure the UK remains a world leader in EV design and manufacture.

Previous competition funding supported the UK’s first solar electric forecourt in Braintree, Essex.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘Ahead of major climate summit COP26 this year, investment in exciting projects such as these are key to making the switch to electric vehicles more attractive for drivers than ever before.

‘Not only will they propel us further towards our net-zero ambitions, but they will also help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation and creating jobs as we build back better.’

In related news, Avisha Patel, Electric Vehicle Lead at Project Centre, has created a checklist assessment tool to assist with and streamline site audits to ensure that proposed sites are assessed using the same set minimum standards.

Photo by Ralph Hutter