Ryan Helps Toyota Secure More Than £30 Million for Zero-Emission Car Innovation

Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) Grant Application Process

Ryan partnered with Toyota to deliver a winning grant application through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) DRIVE35 programme, securing £15 million in government funding. Combined with matched industry funding, this unlocked a total investment exceeding £30 million.

This funding enables Toyota and other key project partners to deliver a major research and development (R&D) project to accelerate zero-emission technology, strengthen the supply chain, and create automotive engineering jobs in the UK. The R&D project will explore the feasibility of developing a cutting-edge electric vehicle, including an integrated solar roof for enhanced efficiency; advanced connectivity for smart urban integration; and lightweight, sustainable, and innovative materials designed for recyclability.

Securing Strategic R&D Investment

Toyota needed to secure R&D funding to:

  • Advance the feasibility of a UK-developed electric vehicle, leveraging local supply-chain partners
  • Demonstrate sustainability innovation (solar roof, recyclable materials)
  • Support UK job creation and manufacturing capacity aligned with government priorities

To successfully secure that funding, Toyota employed Ryan’s help to navigate the highly competitive APC DRIVE35 call to present a compelling business case, technology roadmap, consortium structure, and value proposition.

Ryan’s End-to-End Solution

Ryan delivered a comprehensive, end-to-end support package, including:

Strategic Alignment: Aligned Toyota’s R&D goals with APC DRIVE35 and the UK’s Industrial Strategy and demonstrated scalability to zero-emission manufacturing by 2035.

Consortium and Technical Roadmap: Identified partner roles (small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, academia), delivered project milestones, and ensured risk mitigation and resource credibility.  

Business Case and Impact: Built a compelling impact model demonstrating job creation, supply chain growth, and export potential within the UK, as well as commercial pathways including recycling loops.

Grant Writing and Submission: Produced a high-quality APC DRIVE35 application, supporting Toyota through reviews, application submission, and partner documentation.

 

[QUOTE FROM TOYOTA]

 

Tips to Strengthen Your Grant Application

  • Align early with funder objectives (e.g., DRIVE35, the UK’s Industrial Strategy)
  • Demonstrate the UK-based impact, such as job creation, a pathway to zero-emission manufacturing, and supply-chain growth
  • Build a credible consortium consisting of SMEs, academia, and supply chain partners
  • Define clear technical and commercial pathways considering project feasibility, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Prepare for matched funding and show leverage potential
  • Craft a compelling narrative with measurable metrics

Contact Ryan

If you or your organisation plan to apply for innovation funding in the automotive, mobility, or zero-emission space, please contact us to explore how Ryan’s grant-writing expertise can help you win.