Eco Innovators: government calls on next generation to design the future of transport

Competition launched for 7 to 19 year olds to design electric vehicle chargepoints of the future

What could the charging infrastructure of the future look like?

The government has launched a competition for 7 to 19 year olds to design the electric vehicle chargepoints of the future, inspiring the next generation of engineers — a key aim of the modern Industrial Strategy.

The ‘Eco Innovators’ competition aims to inspire young people to use their creative and engineering skills. Winners will have their designs made into real-life prototypes supported by industry experts.

The ‘Eco Innovators’ competition — announced by Science Minister Chris Skidmore at the launch of the Engineering: Take a Closer Look campaign, a legacy project of the hugely successful Year of Engineering campaign – calls on students to submit creative designs for public electric vehicle chargepoints, an increasingly recognisable and critical part of UK streets.

The competition aims to encourage budding innovators, engineers and artists to learn more about the vital engineering sector and zero-emission transport. Winners of each of the 2 age categories will have their winning designs made into real-life prototypes with support from industry experts and their chargepoint displayed at the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre in Milton Keynes.

Future of Mobility Minister, Jesse Norman, said: 'The government’s ambition is for the UK to have one of the best charging infrastructure networks in the world for electric vehicles, as we move towards a zero emission future. 'I am delighted to be one of the judges of this terrific competition. We will be looking for really imaginative chargepoint designs that can play a big practical role in encouraging more people to buy and drive electric vehicles.'