The Department for Transport (DfT) has pledged a total of £43 million to help research and build technologies to make ultra low-emission vehicles (ULEVs) more feasible for UK motorists. Their popularity already seems to be growing, as government grants for ULEVs increased four-fold in 2014 compared to 2013.

Of the funding, £32 million will be spent on infrastructure support, which will mainly be in the form of additional charging points in key locations, such as on A roads, hospitals, residential areas and train stations.

The remaining £11 million will be used to fund 50 research and development projects to help create innovative new technologies for ULEVs, including a recycled carbon construction material and a liquid nitrogen-based zero-emission power and cooling system.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “Our support to the ULEV industry will help ensure the innovation that is a hallmark of the British automotive industry will continue to drive development in this vital growth sector.”