Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which is backed by the UK Government, has announced a grant of more than $19.1m (£12m) to develop technologies that can accelerate the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles.

The money will be used to support a $39.8m (£25m) programme under which 16 one-year proof of concept studies and six longer-running full research and development projects will be carried out.

The projects include developing internal combustion engine technologies, energy storage and management as well as lightweight structures and new propulsion technologies.

TSB’s Low Carbon Vehicles programme manager John Laughlin said the investment is part of an ongoing strategy to put the UK at the forefront of low carbon vehicle technology.

“The work will help to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions and deliver mass-market low carbon road vehicles within five to 15 years,” Laughlin said.