Dyson awarded £16m government grant for UK electric car project
Dyson will use £16 million in government funding to develop a battery electric vehicle at its Malmesbury headquarters, aiming to create over 500 engineering jobs.
Dyson has secured £16 million in funding from the UK government to support the development of a battery electric vehicle at its headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. The grant forms part of the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which details public investment in new technologies and infrastructure. Dyson’s project is expected to create more than 500 jobs, the majority of which will be engineering roles.
The government’s support is intended to secure a wider £174 million investment in the region, according to official documents. Details of the Dyson electric vehicle remain under wraps, but the company’s recent moves in battery technology have fuelled speculation about its ambitions in the automotive sector. Dyson acquired US solid-state battery firm Sakti3 in 2015, and has announced plans to invest £1 billion in battery research over five years.
Battery technology and automotive ambitions
James Dyson has previously highlighted the potential of solid-state batteries, which promise higher energy density and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion cells. These advances could be crucial for electric vehicles, where range and charging times remain key concerns for buyers. The link between Dyson’s expertise in electric motors and its push into automotive engineering is clear, though the company has repeatedly denied it was working on a car until now.
The creation of over 500 jobs at Malmesbury will focus on engineering and technical roles, strengthening the UK’s position in electric vehicle research and development. The project aligns with government efforts to foster home-grown innovation in low-emission transport. The funding for Dyson comes as other non-automotive firms, such as Apple and Google, have also shown interest in electric cars and related technologies.
Context in the electric vehicle market
The UK government’s backing for Dyson follows a trend of public investment in electric vehicle development, as seen in other markets. While global electric car sales remain low compared to petrol and diesel models, incentives and grants are being used to encourage new entrants and accelerate technology. The move places Dyson alongside a growing list of companies aiming to bring fresh ideas and battery advances to the electric vehicle sector.
For more on UK electric car incentives and public attitudes, seeUK One in Five Would Consider an Electric Car Following Coalition Governments New Scheme.
