Government announces winners of 'ground-breaking' research projects for World EV Day

The Government has announced the winners of a total of £12m funding through the Catalysing Green Innovation programme and 2020 Proof of Concept Competition. The announcements were made alongside others from Government and linked agencies, to coincide with World EV Day (9 September).

 

Highways England said that a £9.3 million scheme will allow businesses to try electric vehicles for free before they buy. The initiative is designed to encourage private buyers, local authorities and businesses with diesel van fleets to make the switch to electric. Businesses will be offered a free trial of electric vehicles for 2 months, following a successful launch with Leeds City Council earlier in the year.

 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP also made further announcements based on recommendations from a report commissioned by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

 

These include plans for chargepoints to be installed at popular destinations such as supermarkets and tourist sites, consistent and clear public signage for drivers on UK roads, or guidance to local authorities on painting EV parking spaces green.

 

The Department for Transport also said that it has been working closely with Autotrader, a popular site for buying and selling cars, to develop a dedicated EV section on their website to help potential EV purchasers with their decision. DfT says more sites are expected to follow.

 

Grant Shapps said: Whether you’re taking a trip with the family or commuting to work, with the wide range of models at competitive prices, it is now more cost-effective and convenient than ever to drive and charge an electric vehicle.

 

"This, together with our continued support for R&D, will see talented UK-based SMEs flourish, as well as more than 6,000 skilled jobs created up and down the country.

 

"This is why, on the world’s first-ever day dedicated to celebrating electric vehicles, I’m delighted to announce our unwavering support for a cleaner, greener transport future."

 

Ian Plummer, Director at Auto Trader, said: "Range anxiety, charging infrastructure and costs remain the primary barriers to adoption of electric vehicles. Therefore, in a bid to help consumers and alleviate some of their concerns, we relaunched our electric vehicle hub with new editorial content and improved search functionality."