CHESHIRE firms will be bidding for government funding to add hydrogen-fuelled vehicles to their fleet.


The Government has launched a £2million competition to promote the roll-out of the zero-emission Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) where public and private sector fleets can get up to 75 per cent off the cost.


The scheme will allow local authorities, health trusts, police forces, fire brigades and private companies to bid for funding to add hydrogen-powered vehicles to their fleets.


Andrew Jones, transport minister, said: “We are always looking at new ways to make the vehicles of the future cleaner, and hydrogen fuel cells are an important part of our vision for almost all cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2050.


“This funding, along with the growing network of hydrogen refuelling stations opening in England, will help businesses and the public sector to get on board with this exciting technology. This is further proof that we are leading the way in making journeys cleaner and protecting the environment.”


Bids must be submitted by Monday, July 4, and successful bidders will be informed later this year.