Guidance

DRIVE35 Funding Programme: Transformation

DRIVE35’s capital-only ‘Transformation’ pillar comprises the DRIVE35 Automotive Transformation Fund.

DRIVE35 (Driving Research & Investment in Vehicle Electrification) is a £2.5 billion programme of capital and R&D funding for the automotive industry, including £500 million to 2035 to extend R&D support for 10 years.

UK registered businesses can apply for grant funding for large-scale capital investments in the manufacture of zero emission vehicles and their supply chain components, including:

  • vehicle assembly
  • upgrading or establishing new plants
  • batteries, including gigafactories
  • electric motors and drives
  • power electronics
  • fuel cells
  • upstream supply chain
  • recycling

How to apply

The DRIVE35 Automotive Transformation Fund is open to applications, with initial Expression of Interest (EoI) forms assessed on a two-monthly rolling basis.

For supply chain projects, further information is available on the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) website or by contacting atf@apcuk.co.uk.

For vehicle assembly projects only, contact DRIVE35.ATF@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

After you apply                                                             

Applicants will be assessed in line with the methodology set out in the guidance document.

DBT will aim to formally respond to capital funding bids within 60 working days, following a complete application assessment.

Any final decisions to offer funding will be made at the discretion of ministers.

Help and guidance

If you have any questions, contact:

Updates to this page

Published 14 July 2025

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