Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF)

Automotive Transformation Fund — EOI

Funds United Kingdom electric-vehicle manufacturing transformation through production-oriented capital support to strengthen real-world implementation.

The Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) is a capital grant program administered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) on behalf of the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), designed to fund the industrialization of zero-emission vehicle technologies and establish a competitive UK EV supply chain. The fund's stated mission is to safeguard and create highly skilled jobs, attract private investment, and drive emissions reductions through new or upgraded manufacturing facilities. Eligible capital projects include zero-emission vehicle manufacturing capacity development, factory transformations for EV production, and supply-chain infrastructure spanning battery materials to electric motor manufacturing. Technology scope is subject to regular updates by APC.

The ATF operates on a continuous application basis with no fixed deadline. UK-registered companies at any stage of capital planning can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) at any time. Award amounts are project-dependent and not published in advance; guidance instructs applicants to request the minimum amount required to ensure the sustainability of the investment. Historically the ATF has issued multi-million pound capital grants. Only for-profit UK-registered companies are eligible; academic institutions, charities, and research organizations are excluded. The two-stage process requires a successful EOI before a full ATF application is invited.

Because award amounts are negotiated rather than published, applicants should engage APC early to discuss project scope and funding expectations before submitting an EOI. The ATF is particularly suited to Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers, OEMs, and battery or powertrain manufacturers undertaking large-scale capital investments. DBT manages the funding while APC handles the application process; all inquiries should go through the APC contact portal at apcuk.co.uk.