In addition, the government announced another £11 million (US$17 million) of funding to support 15 low-emission vehicle research and development projects undertaken by a total of 50 organizations, ranging from small businesses to major universities. Transport Minister Baroness Kramer announced the funding during a visit to Nissan’s European technical development centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.

Infrastructure. The £32-million infrastructure commitment will include:

• £15 million (US$23 million) to continue the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. ULEV drivers will receive a 75% grant of up to £700 (US$1,081) towards installation from 13 April 2015.

• £8 million (US$12 million) to support public charging infrastructure across the UK which, alongside £15 million (US$23 million) Highways Agency funding announced in Autumn 2014, will deliver chargepoints on major roads and across towns and cities. Bidding for these schemes will open in May 2015.

• £9 million (US$14 million) to address other infrastructure priorities, for example, ensuring that the UK’s chargepoint network remains accessible and open for users. Further details will be announced later this year.

Low-emission vehicle R&D. The funded research projects include:

• The creation of a novel recycled carbon fiber material that will bring lightweight, low cost vehicle chassis structures to the mass market (led by Gordon Murray Design Ltd).

• The development of a zero emission electric bus with hydrogen fuel cell range extender at a fraction of the cost of the current generation of hydrogen buses (led by Magtec).

• A prototype zero-emission power and cooling system adapted from a cutting-edge liquid nitrogen powered engine that will dramatically reduce the CO₂ emissions from refrigerated trucks and air-conditioned buses (led by Dearman Engine Company Ltd).