UK Net-Zero Retrofit, EV, Hydrogen & Heat Network Funding Boost

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today, we focus on a pioneering study from Coventry University that could redefine how automated electric vehicles interact with pedestrians, bolstering road safety and supporting decarbonisation of transport.

Net Zero News can reveal that Coventry University launched its Automated Mobility and Pedestrian Interaction Project in September 2025, conducting trials in the heart of Coventry city centre. The multidisciplinary study brings together transport engineers, computer scientists and behavioural psychologists to observe pedestrian reactions to electric, self-driving shuttles under real-world conditions.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the project employs state-of-the-art sensor suites and machine-learning algorithms to detect and respond to human gestures at crossings and kerbsides. Researchers use a combination of live trials and virtual reality simulations to refine vehicle response protocols, ensuring the autonomous shuttles communicate intentions clearly to pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of a wider UK government ambition to integrate autonomous electric vehicles into public transport networks by 2030. The study’s technical framework aligns with the Department for Transport’s Future of Mobility Strategy, which envisages reduced urban congestion and lower greenhouse-gas emissions through shared, electric, and driverless services.

This research matters because transport accounts for nearly 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions. By enhancing safety and public confidence in automated electric vehicles, the initiative could accelerate uptake of emission-free mobility solutions. Early analysis suggests a potential 15% reduction in urban traffic delays and a corresponding drop in CO₂ emissions over the next decade.

The trials also promise to create high-skill jobs in software engineering, data analytics and vehicle design. Net Zero News understands local suppliers and small-and-medium enterprises in the West Midlands are already preparing to expand capacity, anticipating demand for bespoke sensors and AI integration services.

Funding for the project comes from a £2.5 million grant awarded by Innovate UK, complemented by matched support from the UK Research and Innovation Transport Programme. Coventry City Council has provided access to closed streets for controlled testing, while private sector partners include Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Mobility division and mobility-as-a-service provider, Voi Technology.

This initiative sits within the UK’s Net Zero Strategy and the Midlands Engine’s Low-Carbon Roadmap. It aligns with commitments under the Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the Department for Transport’s Autonomous Vehicle 2.0 framework. Net Zero News can confirm that insights from Coventry’s pilot will feed directly into national standards for pedestrian-friendly autonomous systems.

Local communities have already participated in engagement workshops, contributing feedback on signage, audible alerts and visual cues. Industry stakeholders note that these insights could inform vehicle design across multiple sectors, from last-mile delivery bots to public shuttle services, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility remain central to future mobility solutions.

Looking ahead, Coventry University plans to expand trials to mixed traffic environments by early 2026, integrating automated shuttles alongside conventional vehicles and cyclists. Final reporting to the Department for Transport and Innovate UK is scheduled for late 2026, after which recommendations will inform nationwide guidance and potential commercial roll-out.

—

Net Zero News is powered by the Net Zero Club.

Join the UK’s fastest-growing net-zero community.

Upcoming Events:
– Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference
– Net Zero Nations Projects Conference

Got a net-zero project to share? Email: lee@net-zero.scot
—