The government has awarded £22 million to 12 battery innovation projects in the latest round of funding from its £246 million Faraday Challenge initiative.
Among the winners are the Power Drive Line project led by Ilika which focuses on the development of solid state batteries – in particular how to mass manufacture them in the UK – as well as the accompanying superfast charging technology.
The Faraday Challenge was launched in July last year to support research and development into batteries. The four-year investment programme forms part of the government’s £4.7 billion Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
The first phase featured a £45 million competition to establish a national battery institute to aid the commercialisation of innovative technology.
Projects to receive grants in the latest round of funding include:
- A “revolutionary” battery management project headed by Williams Advanced Engineering
- A McLaren Automotive-led project to accelerate the development of electrified powertrains
- A scheme involving Jaguar Land Rover to create the industrial-scale capacity in the UK to recycle essential metals from batteries
- A project led by Aston Martin Lagonda to develop better performing battery packs
Business and energy secretary Greg Clark commented: “Innovative battery technology is changing the way we live, travel and work, and the government is committed to putting Britain at the heart of this energy revolution.”
“ £22 million investment in world-leading R&D projects is an example of our modern industrial strategy in action and will help pioneering companies realise the economic benefits the global transition to a low-carbon economy offers.
UK Research and Innovation chief executive Mark Walport said: “Effective, efficient and sustainable transport is key to addressing so many of today’s challenges from industrial growth to social inclusion.
“Through advanced battery technology, we will unlock a new generation of electric vehicles, further improving vehicle performance and uptake, opening doors to innovative new transport ideas, and significantly reducing environmental impacts.”