Government announces introduction of green number plates plus a multi-million pound investment for electric vehicle research helping accelerate a zero-emission future for the UK.
The UK government will invest £12 million in research into the zero-emission market as it looks to develop greener vehicles and help improve vehicle charging technology.
The announcement comes as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps looks to drive a “green economic recovery” in the coming months.
The funding, made available through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and delivered through Innovate UK, will see £10 million for a new Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation Competition. This will invite applicants to bid for project funding to support advancements in both battery electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as charging infrastructure.
OLEV is also providing £2 million to UK small and medium businesses to support their research into zero-emission vehicles in areas such as battery technology, which could be used by major vehicle manufacturers in future electric vehicle production.
The funding will help these businesses to drive local economic growth through research and development projects in areas including charging infrastructure and zero emission vehicles, which could in turn create over 6,000 skilled jobs.
The Transport Secretary has also confirmed plans to roll out green number plates to encourage drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles, as part of the government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. A government statement said that “the plates will make it easier for cars to be identified as zero emission vehicles, helping local authorities design and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them.”
Commenting on the announcement, the Transport Secretary said: “A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth.Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.
“We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport tech of the future through a multi-million pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low carbon innovation and research.”