The government has launched a new £20m fund in order to search for electric vehicle (EV) innovations.
The research and development competition will be open to some of the most promising EV technology innovations. This could include things like zero-emission emergency vehicles, charging technology or EV battery recycling.
It is hoped that this investment will help ensure that the UK remains a world leader in EV design and manufacture, which could create around 6,000 skilled jobs over the next decade.
Following this, the government has also today published its response to the consultation on ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans, it cements their commitment to phasing out new vehicles of this kind by 2030.
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.”
Khadir Meer, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, added: ‘London Ambulance Service has the largest and busiest ambulance fleet in the country. We want to play our part in making the capital a cleaner, better place to live, and our work with ULEMCo and Innovate UK is a big step towards doing that.
‘Our ambition is for London to have the greenest, cleanest and safest ambulances that provide the best environment to deliver outstanding care to Londoners.’
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