Zero-emission hydrogen ambulance wins Government funding

A project to deliver a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell ambulance is one of 22 schemes to receive a share of £25 million in Government funding.

The investment is a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and part of wider efforts towards developing a net zero carbon economy.

The hydrogen fuelled ambulance project, which is being led by the Ultra-Low Emission Mileage Company (ULEMCo), received almost £2m towards developing a prototype vehicle.

It will be trialled by Yorkshire Ambulance Service in the Sheffield area, where the hydrogen will be sourced at publicly available stations.

Another project aims to develop new electric motorcycle technology lowering vehicle emissions and noise, with faster battery charge times.

Led by Triumph Motorcycles, the project adds motorsport and electrification experience from Williams Advanced Engineering, propulsion innovation from Integral Powertrain and Warwick Manufacturing Group’s success integrating academic research with public and private sector projects.

Other winning projects include:

• A scheme that will add an electric drive axle to a conventional diesel-powered truck, creating a hybrid engine which will store and reuse the electrical energy on the trailer.
• A research and development project to replace metals with new materials using recycled carbon fibres from aviation waste.
• A feasibility study into the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology as a zero-emission solution for utility and off-road vehicles

The support for these projects is key to the delivery of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy’s Future of Mobility Grand Challenge and the Road to Zero Strategy, both of which aim to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles. This transition is also a crucial part of the UK’s move to a net zero emissions economy to end the country’s contribution to global warming entirely.

The Government’s ambition is for all new cars and vans to be zero emission capable by 2040. The numbers of ultra-low emission vehicles on UK roads is currently at record levels, with around 200,000 ultra-low emission vehicles registered in the UK.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “We are committed to ensuring the UK continues to develop its world-leading reputation for excellence in the design and manufacturing of greener transport.

“These exciting new projects, from Liverpool to Slough, are powering the future of zero emission vehicles and through our modern Industrial Strategy. Investments like these will also enable us to realise our commitment for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040.”

Since 2010, the Government has designed and funded a series of collaborative, industry led competitions with Innovate UK, creating a range of projects. Government and private sector investment in these competitions has already provided over £600 million of funding.

The full list of winning projects can be found here.