Govt confirms 2030 ICE ban and £20m fund for EV innovations

The government has announced a fund to help create innovative ideas towards zero-emission vehicles.

Innovative ideas for zero-emission vehicles could benefit from a share of £20 million in funding announced today (10 March 2021).

The government is launching a research and development competition which is open to electric vehicle technology innovations, including for zero emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or EV battery recycling.

The investment could create around 6,000 skilled jobs over the next decade, the government claimed.

The government has also today published its response to the consultation on ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans with the move cementing its commitment to phasing out new vehicles of this kind by 2030 – and for all new cars and vans to be zero-emission at the tailpipe by 2035.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Investing in innovation is crucial in decarbonising transport, which is why I’m delighted to see creative zero-emission projects across the UK come to life.

“The funding announced today will help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation, creating jobs and accelerating us towards our net-zero ambitions.

Simon Edmonds, deputy executive chair and chief business officer, Innovate UK said: “Innovations to increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles will make our air cleaner while supporting innovative UK businesses.

“Innovate UK has played a crucial role in helping businesses bring their innovations towards reality and we urge those innovators with bright ideas to apply for this vital funding.”