APC26
UK-registered businesses can apply for government match–funding for late-stage, automotive collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects that support the UK’s transition towards zero–emission vehicles by growing supply chain capability and manufacturing.
This competition is delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, and we will be investing up to £40 million in innovative zero-emission projects.
What are Collaborative R&D Competitions?
The purpose of this competition is to support collaborative R&D projects aimed at designing, developing, and/or manufacturing new automotive technologies to support a zero-emission future, covering on-vehicle technologies for on and off-road vehicles, including two-wheelers.
Submit your application
14 January 2025 – Competition opens
14 March 2025, 11:00 GMT – Application deadline
Project Criteria
Your project must:
- Contribute to the UK’s strategic vision for a zero-emission future as illustrated in the Automotive Council’s Roadmaps
- Support the UK supply chain’s future growth and underpin core capabilities by securing long-term R&D investment
- Create or safeguard high-value jobs during the project or through any post-project R&D and manufacturing activities
- Achieve, through the associated supply chain, the design, build, test, and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles
- Support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles and a pathway to a net-zero automotive industry
Your project must fulfil these criteria to ensure the UK’s automotive industry meets the future demands of vehicle makers and users. The outcomes will strengthen the UK’s global impact and anchor added value across the whole supply chain.

Project focus
Individual projects can claim a minimum of 50% government matched funding between £2.5 million and £20 million (any award is subject to Ministerial and His Majesty’s Treasury approval). You must be working with a consortium of UK-registered organisations, including at least one SME, with a clear route to market for your product at the end of the project.
Your project must advance technologies in one or more of the following areas:
- Energy storage, batteries, their components, management and integration systems
- Fuel cell and associated balance of plant
- Electric machines
- Power electronics
- On-road internal combustion which aims to achieve zero harmful tailpipe emissions utilising non-fossil fuels.
- Off-road internal combustion that supports a transition to zero emissions utilising non-fossil fuels.
- Hydrogen storage and management systems
- Design for circular economy, including the disassembly, recovery, and reuse of materials used in the project technologies
- Digitalisation for vehicle development and design
We are at the start of an industry-wide digital transformation journey, and our goal is to position the UK as a recognised global leader in this arena. To find out if your digital project or content is eligible for funding, please visit our dedicated web page.

Applicant Briefing Video
For key information on this Collaborative R&D competition, and top tips on how to submit the strongest application possible, you can watch our Applicant Briefing video on demand.
Key dates
Stage 1
14 January 2025 – Competition opens
14 March 2025,11:00 GMT – Application deadline
Contact us
Get in touch with a member of the team.
General enquiries
[email protected]Media enquiries
[email protected]Career opportunities
[email protected]Advanced Propulsion Centre
IIPSI Building
University Road
Coventry
CV4 7AL