UK announces new funding for low carbon vehicle technologies
The UK Government has announced GBP 20 million (EUR 28.7 million) for research to develop new low carbon vehicles that could be on the road within five to seven years. The funding will be used only for UK-based research, and is part of the Government's Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy. Research teams working on low carbon versions of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses or taxis can apply for support, but all technologies outlined in the project proposals must have the potential to be commercially viable within five to seven years. 'Through our investment [...] we want to accelerate the introduction of low carbon vehicles, ahead of what would be achieved by market forces alone,' said Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson. Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick emphasised the importance of getting new low carbon technologies from the lab to the road, and said that the new fund 'represents an excellent opportunity for UK expertise to help shape a low carbon future for transport'. Road transport accounts for around 20% of domestic emission in the UK. Along with countries across Europe, the UK is looking for ways to meet the EU carbon emission standards for new cars. Research is central to hitting the target.
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