The government has announced £11m of funding for low emission vehicle technology innovation.
The funding was announced alongside a £32m investment in chargepoint infrastructure for electric cars.
The funding will be provided to 50 organisations, ranging from small businesses to major universities, working together on 15 research and development projects. It includes the development of a zero emission electric bus with hydrogen fuel cell range extender, expected to be a fraction of the cost of the current generation of hydrogen buses and a prototype zero-emission power and cooling system adapted from a liquid nitrogen powered engine that aims to reduce the CO2 emissions from refrigerated trucks and air-conditioned buses (led by Dearman Engine Company Ltd).
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “Our support to the ULEV industry will help ensure the innovation that is a hallmark of the British automotive industry will continue to drive development in this vital growth sector.”
Another £500,000 funding will be provided this year to support the UK’s niche vehicle sector, which makes everything from premium sports cars to double-decker buses.
