17 June 2021
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2 min read
Many more EV charging stations are needed to support growing demand from battery car drivers in the coming years
Government announces that chosen design will be unveiled at COP26, as DfT confirms recipients of latest £20m EV innovation funding pot
More than 60 electric vehicle technology innovations have won a share of £20m of government funding, with successful projects unveiled today ranging from zero emission ambulances and solar-powered refrigeration units to systems that provide a temporary boost to battery car range.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the funding, which has been awarded to 62 "promising" EV innovations, could unlock some of the biggest barriers to EV ownership by providing solutions to improve battery health and access to charging in both rural and urban areas.
Projects winning funding today include an on-board plug-in device that provides drivers with data on battery health that should help improve the experience of buying second-hand EVs, and a kinetic battery that provides a temporary power boost for charging the next generation of ultra-fast EVs at peak times in rural areas.
Others successful bidders were a project to design a new zero emission ambulance with a hydrogen range extender, and the development of a solar-powered refrigeration unit for small commercial vehicles, DfT said.
The funding awards came as the government today also launched a new project to find an "iconic British design" for public EV charge points, with a view to seeing charging devices "become as recognisable as a red post box or black cab".
The winning EV charge point design it set to be unveiled at the crucial COP26 UN climate summit, which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow in November.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the funding unveiled today was aimed at ensuring the UK remains a world leader in EV design and manufacturing. "Ahead of the major climate summit COP26 this year, investment in exciting projects such as these is key to making the switch to electric vehicles more attractive for drivers than ever before," said Shapps. "Not only will they propel us further towards our net zero ambitions, they will also help harness some of the brightest talent in the UK tech industry, encouraging businesses to become global leaders in EV innovation and creating jobs as we build back better."
However, the move follows a report yesterday from NGO Transport & Environment which warned the UK risks being left behind in the race to develop its EV industry due to a lack of investment by manufacturers in Britain compared to the continent.
