The UK Government, through its Center for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), has announced £28.5 million ($39 million) in funding for 13 projects under its Commercializing Connected and Automated Mobility Supply Chain competency. These grants will support 43 UK companies to develop autonomous driving technologies, products and services for the connected and automated mobility market.
Projects aim to fill specific technology gaps, improve performance and reliability, and identify opportunities to scale both in the UK and globally. This funding will complement the Government’s £81m investment in connected and automated mobility technology.
These new supply chain projects will run in parallel with rollout projects announced in February 2023. Already underway at multiple UK locations, these projects represent the most advanced commercial autonomous passenger and freight operations in the world.
The 13 funded projects will be carried out in collaboration with CCAV supply partners Zenzic and Innovate UK to build national capacity within the UK’s connected and automated mobility supply chain. Together, the implementation and supply chain projects will increase the safety and efficiency of operations and contribute to the growth of communities and economies.
Projects include creating a universal and affordable ride-by-wire system, developing an autonomous freight truck to operate in airport perimeters, and providing tools to verify and validate automated ride-through systems. These projects will help fuel advances in the autonomous driving revolution and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in connected and automated mobility technologies.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said these projects are a testament to the UK’s ability to innovate and will support the growth of the industries of the future. By investing in these technologies and encouraging better regulation, the government wants to boost economic growth and make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business.
In summary, funding for these projects will accelerate the development of autonomous driving technologies and help propel the connected and automated mobility market in the UK and beyond.
