Funding is available for UK businesses, academic organisations and research and technology organisations to undertake feasibility and collaborative R&D projects focused on innovation in propulsion battery technologies for electric vehicles.

Innovate UK (IUK) is investing in innovation projects in propulsion battery technologies for electric vehicles across two competition strands. Round 5 of the Faraday Battery Challenge aims to:

• Ensure the UK automotive sector meets its net zero commitments in the required timescale, by enabling the development and scale-up of sustainable battery technologies.
• Ensure the UK prospers from a just and fair transition to electrification, by taking action to develop a world class intellectual and physical supply chain for batteries in the UK.

The two strands are Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D); and Feasibility Studies.

The CR&D strand will support the research and development of the most promising, innovative and sustainable battery technologies for the propulsion of electric vehicles in the automotive sector​.

Feasibility studies will draw on the most exciting, high potential impact, early-stage research where a feasibility study of less than 12 months, can catalyse the route to commercialisation. This strand will support short-term focused projects which could open avenues for overcoming big challenges in manufacturing or other critical processes for advancing the technology.

Up to £25 million has been allocated to fund innovation projects across both strands. Up to £2 million has been allocated for the feasibility studies strand. Total project costs must be between £100,000 and £750,000. Up to £23 million has been allocated for the collaborative research and development (CR&D) strand. Total project costs must be between £500,000 and £12 million.

These competitions are open to collaborations only. To lead a project an organisation must be a UK registered business of any size. The bid must involve at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). To collaborate with the lead, the organisation must be a UK registered business of any size, academic institution, charity, not-for-profit, public sector organisation or research and technology organisation (RTO).

The deadline for applications is 17 August 2022 (11:00 BST).

 

How To Apply

Competition dates:

• Open: 23 May 2022
• Competition closing date: 17 August 2022 (11:00 BST)

Applicants are encouraged to read the general guidance for applicants to help their chances of submitting a quality application.

For more information, visit the GOV UK website.