DRIVE35 Funding Programme: Innovation
DRIVE35’s 'Innovation' pillar comprises 3 competition strands to support research and development projects in the UK automotive sector: Collaborate, Demonstrate and Mobilise.
DRIVE35 (Driving Research & Investment in Vehicle Electrification) is a £4 billion programme of capital and research and development (R&D) funding for the automotive industry to 2035.
UK registered businesses can apply for grant funding for collaborative and individual business R&D projects, that design, develop and manufacture strategically important zero emission vehicle technologies, including:
- electrical energy storage: development of batteries, supercapacitors, their components, management, and integration systems
- electric machines and associated driveline
- power electronics including Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
- internal combustion engines (ICE) for on road applications, we will only fund project proposals which aim to achieve zero harmful tailpipe emissions utilising non-fossil fuels
- ICE for off road applications, we will fund project proposals that support a transition to zero emissions, utilising non-fossil fuels
- lightweight materials and manufacturing processes
- fuel cell systems and associated balance of plant
- hydrogen storage and management systems
Funding will support pilot R&D projects which use innovations to improve productivity, cost competitiveness and reduce embedded carbon. Additionally, funding will support projects focused on software-defined vehicles and developing new electrical and electronic architectures.
How to apply
Collaborate: Find out more information on the APC website.
Demonstrate: Find out more information on the APC website.
Mobilise: Find out more information on the APC website.
After you apply
Your application will be reviewed by 4 independent assessors based on the content of your application and their skills or expertise relevant to your project.
DBT will carry out a value for money assessment.
Help and guidance
If you have any questions, contact:
- the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) at info@apcuk.co.uk
- Innovate UK at support@iuk.ukri.org
Updates to this page
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DRIVE35 programme funding updated from £2.5 billion to £4 billion, with funding available to 2035.
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First published.