DRIVE35 Funding Programme

About this grant

DRIVE35 Funding Programme Capital and R&D funding for the UK automotive industry in the design, development and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and their supply chain.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• The project must have an eligible grant-funding request of between £2.5 million and £25 million.
• The project must be at least 50% match-funded.
• You must prove your intent to exploit the technology in the UK.
• The project must achieve TRL7-8 or MRL6-7 by completion.
• The project must be collaborative.
• The project must be delivered within a timescale of 18 to 36 months.

What the funding covers

• Funding for collaborative R&D projects that accelerate the UK's transition to a net-zero automotive industry.
• Support for consortium-based projects involving businesses, academia, charities, public sector organisations, and research and technology organisations.
• Funding for innovations in zero-emission vehicle technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Support for projects that improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, competitiveness, and reduce embedded carbon emissions.
• Funding for Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) and Electronic and Electrical Architecture (EEA) innovations.
• Access to APC's network and expert support for building project consortia.
• Support for projects progressing technologies towards commercial deployment and industrialisation.
• Funding for projects targeting Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8 or Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) 6–7.
• Grant funding requests between £2.5 million and £25 million.
• Projects can run for between 18 and 36 months.
• Projects must demonstrate intent to exploit the resulting technology in the UK.

How to apply

1. 1Applications for Collaborate open twice a year, and the next date is 22 June 2026*. If you’ve got an exciting project that fulfills the eligibility criteria outlined above, get in touch with us now to find out more.

Application tips