Project Criteria:

• Projects must support the UK’s net zero vision in automotive technology and secure long-term R&D investment.
• They should create or safeguard high-value jobs and facilitate the design, build, test, and manufacture of net zero vehicles.
• Proposals must demonstrate support for the UK's transition to zero-emission vehicles and contribute to a net zero automotive industry.

Proposal Requirements:

• Proposals should advance technologies in areas like energy storage batteries, fuel cells, electric machines, power electronics, lightweight materials, and digitalisation.
• They must contribute to the UK’s strategic aims towards a net zero transport vision.
• Projects should support the growth, transition, and security of the UK’s automotive supply chain.
• Proposals must evidence a clear route to market, a credible consortium-led approach, and the potential outcomes if not funded.

Portfolio Approach:

• The programme aims to fund a variety of projects across different technologies and markets, adopting a portfolio approach.

Specific Themes:

• Projects should focus on technologies such as electric machines, energy storage, lightweight vehicles, fuel cells, thermal propulsion systems, and digitalisation.
• The lead technology in the proposal must represent at least 50% of the project's impact.

Research Categories:

• Funding will be provided for industrial research projects and experimental development projects, as defined in the guidance.

Exclusions:

• Projects focused only on the development of clean fuels, not aligned with the UK net-zero framework, requesting more than 50% grant funding, or developing e-Scooters or e-Bikes are not eligible.
• Projects dependent on export performance or domestic inputs usage are also ineligible.

Call to Action: UK businesses involved in automotive innovation are encouraged to apply. Proposals should showcase a commitment to net zero objectives, with a focus on collaborative efforts and technological advancements.