The UK government will be investing £43 million into the support of ultra–low–emission vehicles through 2020 — thereby supporting the build–out of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, as well as funding further research into electric car and electric bus technologies.

Of that £43 million figure, £32 million will be spent on EV charging infrastructure, and £11 million on the support of 14 “low emission vehicle technology” research and development projects. These projects include work undertaken by a total of 50 different organisations, apparently — including those from a number of different small businesses. 

The UK’s Department for Transport stated that of these numbers, £15 million would be put to use to provide drivers of EVs with grants (the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme), and £8 million would be utilized directly to install new charging infrastructure throughout the country. 

By the terms of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, EV drivers can receive up to £700 towards the installation of a charging system. This offer starts from April 13, 2015.

The bidding process on the charging station build–out is expected to begin in May.

In addition, £9 million will be used to deal with other infrastructure issues — making sure “that the UK’s charge point network remains accessible and open for users,” for example.

Amongst the research projects set to receive funding are: one working to create “a novel recycled carbon fiber material that will bring lightweight, low cost vehicle chassis structures to the mass market;” one developing a zero–emissions electric bus outfitted with a hydrogen fuel cell range extender; and one developing “a prototype zero–emissions power and cooling system adapted from a cutting–edge liquid nitrogen powered engine that will dramatically reduce the CO2 emissions from refrigerated trucks and air–conditioned buses.”

It is expected that these investments will help drive the growing industry in the UK.

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