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Businesses can apply for a share of £25 million in the latest Faraday Battery Challenge opportunity, part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
Innovate UK has up to £25 million to invest in new automotive battery technologies that help to build the vehicle battery supply chain in the UK.
Brill Power battery packs, taken at Innovate 2017. By Adam Gasson.
Supporting the Industrial Strategy
This funding is the latest in government's Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Faraday Battery Challenge.
The Faraday Battery Challenge is a £246 million investment over 4 years. It will support the development of safe, cost-effective, durable, lighter weight, high-performing and recyclable batteries in the UK.
It forms part of government's Sector Deal with the automotive industry. This is a joint commitment to work together and invest in areas of UK strength, including connected and autonomous vehicles, battery technology and ultra-low and zero emission vehicles.
Aim is to make UK a global leader
Batteries for future electric vehicles are seen as a major opportunity for UK businesses.
Projects in this competition must support the challenge's aim to make the UK a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of batteries.
Areas that could attract funding include:
cost reduction at the cell and pack level
increasing energy and power density
eliminating thermal runaway risks for enhanced safety
lengthening cell and pack life
broadening the temperature ranges that a pack efficiently operates at
new models to better predict range and battery health
improving recyclability
innovation in cell, module and pack production
integration of cells into modules, packs and vehicles
battery management systems
enabling fast charging
projects that stimulate and broaden innovation in the manufacture, performance and supply of materials
Consultation proposing changing the Highway Code to promote remote control parking released
The government has outlined proposals to change the rules around the use of remote control parking, paving the way for Great Britain to harness the benefits of the technology.
With manufacturers constantly competing to bring drivers the latest in advanced drive technologies these changes will update the law and ensure it is flexible for future breakthroughs.
Announcing the start of the consultation, Transport Minister, Jesse Norman said:
The government is determined that Britain should lead the way in embracing the safe deployment of new vehicle technology.
Features such as remote control parking and motorway assist have the potential to transform car travel, adding greater convenience and accessibility to drivers, so that they can park and drive with more confidence.
The exciting developments outlined in the consultation have the potential to revolutionise how we drive. For those with mobility issues remote control parking has the potential to make far more places accessible, while even for people with small garages, or just faced with navigating inconsiderate parking it will prove handy.
Similarly, cars with improved cruise control functions will be able to make journeys on UK roads more energy efficient, meaning cheaper, cleaner driving.
Manufacturers invest billions in engineering technology to enhance driver comfort, safety and convenience, so these proposals, providing clarity and confidence to consumers, are good news. We welcome government’s continued commitment to keep the UK at the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle development and rollout.
With just days to go before Christmas, Highways England has called on the main man to help remind drivers to check their vehicles before travelling this festive season.
Santa Claus checks his sleigh to make sure it doesn’t break down as he prepares to deliver presents to children the world over.
And the company responsible for motorways and main A-roads is urging people driving this Christmas to make sure their vehicles are also ready for seasonal travel.
Santa can be seen carrying out the vital checks on his sleigh in a special fun animation below - and he’s got a little help from his festive friends including Rudolph!
These checks include:
checking that Santa has plenty of grip on his sledge – motorists should check their tyre tread to make sure it is within the legal limit
making sure Rudolph’s nose is shining bright – always make sure lights on the vehicle are working correctly before setting off
making sure he feeds his reindeer before travelling – make sure that you always keep your tank at least one quarter full to avoid running out of fuel on your journey
Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said:
This is a timely reminder from Santa and his festive friends that you should always check your vehicle before setting off.
But there is a serious point to this, too. Safety is our top imperative and we know from experience that almost half of breakdowns are avoidable and these can easily be averted with simple checks.
Christmas is always a busy period on the road network and we’d urge all motorists to make sure they do their bit to check their vehicle is roadworthy before setting off over the festive period.
She also highlighted that 99 per cent of motorways and strategic A roads will be roadworks-free in time for Christmas, meaning hauliers and motorists alike can enjoy last-minute shopping and delivery journeys with as little disruption as possible.
Latest statistics from Highways England show almost half of all breakdowns are caused by simple mechanical problems which could be avoided with basic checks. Nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems; meanwhile, 450 people were injured in incidents involving vehicles that weren’t roadworthy over the course of a year.
And around 20 motorists break down every day because they have run out of fuel. There were 7,419 cases nationwide of vehicle breakdowns on the strategic road network due to lack of fuel.
The RAC is also backing the campaign and says that motorists should check their vehicle this Christmas, even if they journey is likely to be a short one.
RAC spokesman, Rod Dennis, said:
Just like Santa, millions of drivers can’t afford a breakdown getting in the way of them reaching their destinations this Christmas.
So we’re backing Highways England’s call for drivers to give their vehicles a bit of ‘TLC’ before they set out on any long journey. Simply checking things like the condition of tyres could be the key to not wasting valuable time in the cold and wet this December, broken down at the side of the road.
Then, should the unexpected happen, motorists can be reassured by the fact that our patrols will be working tirelessly throughout the festive period to get them back on the move again as quickly as possible.
To help keep people moving this Christmas, Highways England has also produced a handy pdf showing people how to conduct basic vehicle checks before setting off this Christmas.
Those travelling over Christmas are also being reminded to make sure that they are prepared for an emergency by:
charging a mobile phone and taking it with them in case they run into difficulty and need to use it in emergency circumstances
taking warm clothing in the car with them in case of breakdowns
taking food and drink in the car in case of any extreme weather
Motorists can head online to the Think website where they can watch bespoke videos showing how to carry out basic vehicle checks. Alternatively, follow Highways England on social media channels for more information.
Those wishing to find out more about driving on smart motorways can view our webpage for further information.
Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.
More information can be found on our website or by calling our information line (0300 123 5000) they can keep up to date with conditions on the roads.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
