The UK government has announced DRIVE35, a £2.5 billion programme designed to secure the nation’s position as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. This landmark funding package is part of a long-term strategy to ensure the UK is not just an adopter of clean transport but a world-class hub for designing, building, and exporting the EVs of the future.
What is DRIVE35?
The DRIVE35 programme combines large-scale manufacturing support with long-term investment in research and development. Of the total funding, around £2 billion is allocated to industrial projects through to 2030, while £500 million is dedicated to innovation and R&D up to 2035.
This money will be deployed through competitive grants, designed to help companies bridge the critical “valley of death” between innovative prototypes and commercial-scale production. In short, DRIVE35 is about turning bright ideas into factories, jobs, and fleets of zero-emission vehicles on British roads.
Why it matters for the EV ecosystem
For drivers, fleets, and the wider economy, the benefits of DRIVE35 are clear. But for EV infrastructure businesses — such as chargepoint providers and installers — the opportunities are particularly exciting.
- More EVs mean more charging demand
By boosting domestic vehicle production, the UK will accelerate EV adoption at home. More UK-built cars on the road means a surge in demand for reliable charging solutions, from residential driveways to workplace and public installations. - Smart technology integration
DRIVE35 is expected to fund research into advanced battery systems, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration, and recycling. As new charging technologies emerge, installers who can offer future-ready, smart solutions will be in prime position to benefit. - Resilient supply chains
Part of the programme’s goal is to strengthen the UK’s manufacturing base, including components like power electronics and materials essential for chargers. This could shorten lead times and create new domestic supply routes for charger installers. - Procurement and pilot projects
Many DRIVE35 initiatives will involve demonstrator programmes, district-level trials, and procurement opportunities. For EV charger companies, these represent valuable chances to deliver installation and maintenance services within government-backed projects.
Real-world examples already underway
Some early DRIVE35-backed projects are already taking shape. For example, battery recycling schemes supported by Jaguar Land Rover and partners have received funding in the West Midlands. These projects highlight how DRIVE35 will support the entire EV lifecycle — from production to recycling. For charging businesses, it means being part of a rapidly expanding, fully integrated EV ecosystem.
Looking ahead
The DRIVE35 programme is a bold step towards making the UK a global centre for EV manufacturing and technology. For chargepoint businesses and installers, it means aligning with the government’s green industrial vision and ensuring customers have access to cutting-edge, reliable charging infrastructure.
As EV adoption grows, so too does the need for charging — in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. At London EV Chargers, we are committed to supporting this transition, providing high-quality installations that match the pace of innovation the UK is now driving forward with DRIVE35.