The Government has launched a £10 million prize for UK innovation in battery design for the next generation of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: "The challenge is to draw on the UK’s world-class scientific research and develop a battery which is at the cutting edge of innovation, commercially viable and ready to be put into production.

“The competition – which will see a winner announced later this summer – will be open to all UK research establishments, working together with vehicle manufacturers based over here in the UK.”

Transport campaigner Quentin Willson, who has been involved in designing the prize, welcomed the announcement.

He said the UK should lead the world in cutting-edge EV battery technology and this "initiative will help create jobs, establish a whole new industry and boost GDP. I totally support this prize for the best in UK battery innovation”.