The UK automotive industry is at a turning point. With global competition intensifying, net zero deadlines approaching, and the need for resilient supply chains more urgent than ever, the UK Government has unveiled DRIVE35—a landmark £2.5 billion programme to accelerate investment in zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), electrification, and R&D.
But what is DRIVE35, how do you apply for it, and how can your business take advantage of it?
What is DRIVE35?
DRIVE35 is a £2.5 billion UK Government funding programme launched in July 2025. It is designed to secure the UK’s place as a global leader in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and clean mobility innovation.
The programme is split into two key elements:
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£2 billion for large-scale automotive and manufacturing projects, running through to 2030.
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£500 million dedicated to R&D and innovation, extending through to 2035.
This dual approach means that DRIVE35 supports both major industrial scale-up—such as gigafactories and EV production facilities—and cutting-edge innovation, from advanced battery technologies to hydrogen systems.
Who Can Apply for DRIVE35 Funding?
The programme is aimed at organisations contributing to the future of clean transport, including:
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OEMs developing zero-emission vehicles and new platforms.
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Battery manufacturers and gigafactories expanding UK capacity.
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Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers localising supply chains.
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SMEs and start-ups bringing forward innovative solutions.
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Universities and research bodies advancing R&D.
For official eligibility details, visit the Government’s DRIVE35 announcement.
How Do You Apply for DRIVE35?
The Government’s DRIVE35 programme is open for applications.
Applications are made via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) website, which manages the competitions.
Key details:
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Eligibility: Applicants must be UK-registered businesses. DRIVE35 is open to companies of all sizes, including collaborative bids.
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Focus: Projects must contribute to the UK’s transition to ZEV manufacturing—whether through R&D, scaling production, or enabling capital investment.
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Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs): DRIVE35 supports projects across TRL 3 to TRL 9, from early-stage research through to commercial deployment.
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Funding Scale:
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£2 billion of capital and R&D funding is available to 2030.
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£500 million of R&D funding is available to 2035.
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DRIVE35 Funding Pillars
The programme is structured into three main funding pillars, each with different competition streams:
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Transformation – Driving capital investment in a competitive ZEV supply chain, upgrading or establishing new plants, and securing future ZEV assembly in the UK. Read more about DRIVE35 Funding Programme: Transformation here.
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Scale-Up – Supporting businesses as they expand operations, from prototypes to commercial volumes.
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Innovation – Backing cutting-edge R&D, fostering new technologies, and strengthening early-stage innovation. Read more about DRIVE35 Funding Programme: Scale-Up here.
Businesses should review the individual competition streams on the APC funding portal to find the most relevant opportunity before applying. Read more about DRIVE35 Funding Programme: Innovation here.
Plan Your Workforce Strategy
When applying, remember that government assessors look closely at deliverability. Even the strongest funding proposals may not succeed without a clear plan to build and sustain the necessary workforce.
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Applications must show that projects can be delivered on time and at scale.
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Having the right people—engineers, project managers, R&D specialists, and technicians—in place is essential to securing funding.
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Workforce readiness is as critical as technological innovation or capital investment.
That’s where recruitment becomes a differentiator. Partnering with specialist recruiters like Jonathan Lee Recruitment’s automotive team ensures you can scale rapidly once funding is secured. Our dedicated EV recruitment division also supports businesses in electrification, battery development, and clean mobility innovation—helping you align talent with technology to maximise your DRIVE35 success.
How Do I Benefit From DRIVE35?
Even before applying, there are steps your business can take to maximise the programme’s opportunities:
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Be Funding Ready – develop proposals aligned with government priorities.
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Secure the Right Talent – build engineering and technical teams now to avoid delays later. See our EV recruitment services.
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Collaborate Across the Ecosystem – link up with universities, Cenex, and supply chain partners.
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Think Long-Term – DRIVE35 is a catalyst for growth, not just a grant.
The Role of Recruitment in Maximising DRIVE35
With DRIVE35, thousands of new jobs will be created across engineering, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems. But competition for talent will be fierce.
Jonathan Lee Recruitment has over 45 years’ experience in automotive recruitment and a dedicated EV recruitment division supporting businesses in electrification, batteries, and clean mobility.
Whether you need a niche R&D specialist, a leadership hire, or large-scale workforce solutions, we can help you assemble the teams required to deliver successful DRIVE35 projects.
FAQs About DRIVE35
What is DRIVE35?
DRIVE35 is a £2.5bn UK Government funding programme to support zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and R&D.
What is the DRIVE35 funding programme for?
It funds large automotive projects, gigafactories, supply chain scale-up, and innovation in clean mobility.
Who can apply for DRIVE35?
OEMs, suppliers, SMEs, universities, and battery manufacturers can all apply.
Do you need to apply for DRIVE35 funding?
Yes, businesses must submit applications via government channels such as Innovate UK. Funding will be awarded competitively.
How does the DRIVE35 application process work?
Applications are expected to involve detailed proposals showing zero-emission alignment, scalability, collaboration, and deliverability.
The DRIVE35 funding programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow UK automotive and EV manufacturing. To benefit, businesses must prepare strong applications, align with net zero goals, and ensure they have the talent and capacity to deliver.
Jonathan Lee Recruitment can help you build the teams that unlock DRIVE35 funding and future-proof your workforce strategy.
Contact us today to start preparing for DRIVE35 success or call Jason Cole, Business Development Director at Jonathan Lee Recruitment on 01384 446176.
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