DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund

The UK automotive sector is undergoing a profound transition as it moves towards zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and a more resilient, globally competitive manufacturing base. To secure long-term economic growth, protect skilled jobs, and meet net zero commitments, the UK must rapidly scale domestic capability in the design, development and manufacture of key ZEV technologies.

DRIVE35 is the government’s long-term programme to support the transformation of the UK automotive industry. It brings together public and private investment to accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chains, and anchor high-value manufacturing in the UK. A central ambition of DRIVE35 is to ensure that technologies developed in the UK can be manufactured at scale domestically, rather than being commercialised overseas.

The DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund addresses a critical gap between late-stage development and full commercial production. While many UK organisations have proven technologies and pilot-scale facilities, significant capital investment is often required to move to industrial-scale manufacturing. This competition is designed to support that transition by co-funding large-scale manufacturing facilities that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits to the UK.

Projects funded through this competition are expected to:

• Create or expand UK-based manufacturing capacity for zero emission vehicle technologies.
• Strengthen UK supply chains and reduce dependency on overseas production.
• Leverage substantial private investment alongside public funding.
• Support high-quality jobs and skills development across the automotive sector.
• Contribute to the UK’s net zero and industrial strategy objectives.

The competition is open to UK-registered organisations with the capability, ambition and financial strength to deliver transformational scale-up projects. Successful applicants will demonstrate not only technical readiness, but also a clear route to commercial sustainability and long-term impact for the UK economy.