UK businesses and research organisations can access grant funding to enable energy flexibility from bi-directional electric vehicle charging prototype hardware, software or business models.

This Innovate UK (IUK) competition aims to facilitate an increase in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capacity and further develop V2X technology and business model innovations. V2X can facilitate energy system flexibility by enabling the export of electricity from the batteries of EVs to other systems such as buildings, storage devices or the grid. The ambition is to provide flexibility to support integration of additional renewable generation at the lowest cost.

This competition is the first phase of a two phase V2X innovation programme with total funding of £11.4 million. A separate competition for small scale V2X demonstrations is planned for 2023.

Phase 1 projects must deliver prototype hardware, software or business models which reduce barriers to entry for domestic or non-domestic use of V2X bi-directional chargers to provide energy flexibility services.

Up to £2 million has been allocated to fund innovation projects in this phase. Funding will be in the form of a grant. Projects must have total costs of between £150,000 and £300,000. They must start on 1 September 2022 and end by 31 August 2023.

The competition is open to collaborative projects only. UK registered business of any size must lead, collaborating with other UK registered businesses of any size, academic institutions, research and technology organisation (RTOs), charities, not-for-profit, or public sector organisations.

Projects must involve a minimum of two collaborative grant claiming organisations from across the energy and transport sectors.

The deadline for applications is 4 May 2022 (11:00 BST).

How To Apply

Competition dates:

• Open: 25 March 2022
• Competition closing date: 4 May 2022 (11:00 BST)

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

More details can be accessed at the Innovate UK website.