Funding The Future: £40M Grant Opportunity For UK Automotive Innovators

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has launched a £40 million funding competition aimed at boosting innovation in the UK’s automotive sector. This initiative focuses on late-stage projects involving technologies like advanced batteries, fuel cells, and cleaner combustion engines.

To be eligible, UK-based businesses must show how their projects will support the local supply chain, create or protect high-value jobs, produce zero-emission vehicles, and contribute to the transition toward a net-zero automotive industry.

Successful applicants can receive funding for up to half of their project costs, with grants ranging between £2.5 million and £20 million. Industry partnerships must cover the remaining costs.

For those interested, the APC is hosting an online Q&A session today, 15 January, to answer any questions about the application process. 

The APC has a strong history of backing cutting-edge projects. Notable recipients include Aston Martin, Lotus, and Ariel. In 2023, Ariel secured a £300,000 grant for its e-Nomad electric vehicle project. So far, the APC has supported 264 projects across 492 organizations, helping to create or safeguard approximately 58,000 jobs.

This funding opportunity is another step in securing the UK’s position as a global leader in sustainable automotive innovation. The deadline for submissions is 11:00 AM GMT on 14 March.