DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund drawdown five
Limited submission
The DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund drawdown five from UK Research and Innovation supports large-scale UK manufacturing projects for zero emission vehicle technologies, driving automotive innovation and industrialisation.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: £2.5M–£20M grant per project; total fund up to £150M; project duration up to March 31, 2030.
Summary: Supports UK projects to scale up manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies, driving innovation and investment in the automotive sector.
Key Information: Requires substantial private co-investment (at least 2x grant request); UK registered business must lead.
Description
This funding opportunity aims to accelerate the development of large-scale manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies across the UK. Backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Innovate UK, in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, the fund supports projects that bridge the gap between R&D and full-scale industrialisation. Ambitious projects are sought to expand the UK’s advanced automotive manufacturing capabilities, focusing on technologies that enable the transition to zero emission vehicles, such as batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, electric drivetrains, and related supply chain innovations.
