Commentary: £130m next-gen vehicle boost needs manufacturing and charging infrastructure to keep pace

Following Government announcement of nearly £130 million for next-generation zero-emission and self-driving vehicle technologies, experts from the University of Surrey's School of Engineering and Surrey Research Park share their perspectives on what needs to happen next – from making EVs more affordable and strengthening UK manufacturing to ensuring charging infrastructure can keep pace.

Credit: Getty Images

One of the biggest misconceptions is that making electric vehicles more affordable is simply a battery problem. While battery cost matters, engineers need to optimise the whole vehicle ecosystem – from more efficient electric drivetrains and lighter advanced materials to software that reduces hardware complexity and manufacturing processes that bring down costs.

“The UK is particularly strong in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, power electronics and automotive software and safety engineering, but innovation alone is not enough. We still lag behind some international competitors in large-scale battery manufacturing and supply-chain resilience. Without strengthening that industrial capability, there is a risk that technologies developed here ultimately create economic value elsewhere.

“Investment in connected and automated vehicles is therefore particularly encouraging. AI will increasingly shape how vehicles perceive their surroundings, predict risks, make real-time decisions and communicate with infrastructure and other road users. These capabilities will not only improve safety but will also enable more efficient traffic flow, reduce congestion, lower energy consumption and increase accessibility for those who are currently excluded from conventional transport.

“In future, the intelligence of a vehicle could become just as important as its source of propulsion. Professor Saber Fallah, Professor of Safe AI and Autonomy

From an industry perspective, 3ti, based at Surrey Research Park in Guildford, is one company helping to shape the future of the UK's resilient EV charging infrastructure. The company's HALO FastHub enables sites to install fully working EV chargers that integrate into the existing grid, while retaining flexibility to move.

The company welcomes the boost to the EV industry but says more focus should be given to the nation's charging infrastructure, which will underpin the success of the government's zero emissions vision.

For businesses and fleets serious about growing their EV operations, we hear it from our customers every day; infrastructure is consistently the thing that slows them down. Grid upgrades can take 12 months, Distribution Network Operator applications can sit in queues, and civils work can cost a fortune before a single charger goes in.

"Fleet operators and estates and facilities teams want to electrify, but they can't make the timelines work. Solving the infrastructure problem will unlock the transition, and that's what drives everything we do at 3ti. We believe the transition to electric transport should be fairer, faster and cleaner for every organisation, regardless of their size or situation. Amy Johnstone, 3ti's Head of Marketing

###

Read more on the Government's announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/130-million-for-cutting-edge-next-generation-vehicles-securing-over-1800-jobs

Share what you've read?

Sustainability

Featured Academics

Prof Saber Fallah

Professor of Safe AI and Autonomy

Media Contacts

External Communications and PR team
Phone: +44 (0)1483 684380 / 688914 / 684378
Email: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Out of hours: +44 (0)7773 479911