Given the importance of low-carbon transport, the Department has been in discussion with niche all-electric vehicle manufacturers over plans to introduce electric cars, vans and trucks. Support is also provided to electric vehicle projects. For example Modec has been awarded a Selective Finance for Investment in England grant of up to £1.39 million to support the production of an electric delivery van with drivetrain developed by Zytek, a UK automotive technology company, using up to 85 per cent. UK components. Cenex, the UK's low carbon and fuel cell centre of excellence, is also supporting Zytek to convert up to 200 Daimler Chrysler Smart cars to all-electric operation.
The Foresight Vehicle technology road map developed by the Department in collaboration with industry highlights the importance of electric drivetrain technology not just for electric-only vehicles, but also to hybrid systems including those potentially using fuel cells.