DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund

The DRIVE35 Scale Up Fund is providing grants to support the development and commercial scale-up of innovative zero emission vehicle technologies and related supply chains in the UK. The programme focuses on manufacturing facility and process development at pilot or demonstration scale, enabling businesses to validate manufacturing capability and commercial viability to achieve targeted production volumes.

DRIVE35 (Driving Research and Investment in Vehicle Electrification) is a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) led programme aimed at transforming the UK’s automotive industry. This is achieved by supporting R&D and the commercial scale up of innovative zero emission vehicle technologies, and unlocking capital investment in zero emission vehicles, batteries and their wider supply chain.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) to invest up to £150 million as part of the DRIVE35 Scale Up Fund. This funding is from the Department for Business and Trade, delivered by Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK.

The aim of the Scale up Fund is to support manufacturing facility and process development at pilot scale or demonstration scale. These projects will enable businesses to validate manufacturing capability and commercial viability, achieving market entry at the targeted production volume from the project outcomes.

Your proposal must justify the funding required with a case for government intervention and matched by substantial private investment. You can make a total grant funding request of between £2.5 million and £20 million: this can cover up to 50% of costs. You must describe how your project will enable you to unlock at least twice your grant request in private investment (which can cover broader costs such as working capital, R&D or land purchase).