The government has offered £20 million to researchers in a bid to get more low-carbon vehicles on the road.

The funding will be made available through a competition run by the Department for Transport and the Technology Strategy Board.

With 20% of domestic emissions resulting from road use, ministers hope that more support for transport innovation will see greener vehicles on the road in the next five to seven years.

All road-based projects, including research into cars, commercial and heavy goods vehicles and buses, are eligible.

Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “This fund represents an excellent opportunity for UK expertise to help shape a low-carbon future for transport and I would urge companies to grasp it with both hands.”