Automotive Transformation Fund Scale up Readiness Validation

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £15 million to validate readiness for scale up of net zero technologies and processes

The Automotive Transformation Fund is delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) and partners, Innovate UK, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Department for International Trade (DIT). It supports the industrialisation at scale of a high-value electrified automotive supply chain in the UK.

APC is seeking proposals from single organisations or consortiums with R&D projects validating readiness for scale up through pilot production, with a maximum grant request of £2 million.

These projects must produce physical production samples, of a quantity and quality which supports the case for the commercial viability of scale up in the UK. It may include samples to validate technical qualification.

The resulting projects must support the UK automotive industry in:

• increasing business confidence in making large scale manufacturing investments
• building electrified vehicle supply chains

Specific themes

Your project must prioritise the scale up in areas mentioned in the Automotive Transformation Strategy for an electrified supply chain. Your project must prioritise scale up and can focus on but not be limited to:

• whole battery cells
• anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte and battery input materials
• fuel cells
• electric drive units (EDUs)
• hydrogen storage tanks
• power electronics
• material sourcing for any of the above

Sectors in scope can include on and off road, agriculture, heavy duty, mining and military, at any point in the supply chain. Larger two-wheel applications will be considered, but micromobility applications will not.

Projects must:

• validate readiness for scale up through pilot production
• present a clear route to scale up and securing market share
• contribute to the UK’s net zero supply chain strategy
• increase business confidence in making large scale manufacturing investments
• support the building of electrified vehicle supply chains

How to apply

Find out more about the funding competition and how to apply.

First published 22 April 2022