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As climate change remains at the forefront of the public mind, various bodies are working to try to reduce carbon emissions. However, with the UK’s enormous reliance on road haulage, it’s clear that haulage companies will continue to operate for the foreseeable future. With this in mind, the UK government has set up incentives to encourage the development of low-emissions vehicles and other emissions-reducing technologies. Who’s offering the Money? The Office of Low Emissions Vehicles, or OLEV, has teamed up with Innovate UK to offer the money to fund promising work into lowering emissions from road use. How Much? There is a total of £24 million earmarked for the project and will be assigned in chunks of £250,000 to £5,000,000. What Exactly Is the Money For? The money will be given to projects in two streams. The first stream, for which £19 million is earmarked, will fund real-world testing of low-emissions vehicles and emissions-reducing vehicle-mounted technologies. This money will be handed out in increments between £500,000 and £5,000,000, and the projects must last between 18 and 24 months. The second stream, totalling £5 million, will be allocated to haulage companies developing or testing new technologies, which will then have a real-world impact. This money will be allocated in segments from £250,000 to £5,000,000 to projects lasting up to 12 months. How Can I Apply? Only UK-based organisations will be allowed to enter. Haulage companies may enter in collaboration with researchers, although a project must have a vehicle operator on board to be eligible for entry. How Will My Entry Be Assessed? Entries are assessed by a number of external parties with specialist knowledge in the field into which your proposed project falls. They will be systematically scored and feedback will be given, after which prospective projects will be arranged in order of score. After this, promising projects asking for a minimum of £500,000 will be subject to an interview process. What Information Do I Need to Supply? You’ll need to fully disclose the information of any haulage companies or other parties involved in the project, as well as what you hope to achieve, how you hope to achieve it, how long it will last and how much it will cost. Additionally, should you win a grant, you’ll need to collect, analyse and deliver operational data to the OLEV for a minimum of 85% of operation. What Are the Deadlines? Registration for the competition is open at time of writing and closes at noon on the 12th October, and haulage companies must submit their applications by the 19th October. OLEV and Innovate’s funding is a real opportunity to get some new fascinating, emission-reducing technologies on the road. If you have any ideas, be sure to register and start drawing up plans as soon as you can. Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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