The UK’s first EV battery strategy has been published, alongside the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan, which sets out a 2030 vision for the UK to have a globally competitive battery supply chain that supports economic prosperity and the transition to net zero carbon emissions.
It guarantees targeted support for zero emission vehicles, batteries and their supply chains including £2 billion of recent capital and R&D funding for the five years to 2030, and an additional £38 million to boost the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre’s development facilities, plus other measures including steps to support start-ups and encourage foreign investment.
Industry minister Nusrat Ghani explained how research on the University of Oxford within the Seventies made the lithium-ion battery possible. But, today, most industrial rechargeable batteries are manufactured in East Asia.
“The UK and other industrialised countries are responding to the challenge given the importance of the expansion of the sector and its critical role in ensuring our economic security,” she said.
Some Government funding has already helped secure a commitment from Nissan to construct an extra gigafactory at Sunderland, and to construct three latest EVs there.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of automotive trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “Decarbonising road transport is crucial if net zero is to be achieved, and that transition have to be ‘inbuilt Britain’.
Hawes said the plan, along with a brand new battery technique to support the event and production of this critical technology, is crucial if the UK is to compete within the face of fierce global competition.
“These initiatives can only help to draw the investment vital to seize the expansion opportunities a net zero economy offers.”
“We welcome the vote of confidence that Auto2030 and Advanced Manufacturing Plan brings to the UK Automotive design and manufacturing industry,” said Ian Constance, chief executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APR).
“This recognises the importance of making the fitting conditions and supporting investment because the industry transitions to latest energy vehicles. Over the past decade the UK automotive sector has seen significant growth of recent technologies and businesses supporting decarbonisation. These are adding strength and resilience to the availability chains that support UK vehicle assemblers.”
Richard Kenworthy, managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK said: “We welcome the announcement of a brand new Advanced Manufacturing Plan and the priority the Government is giving to the automotive sector. Our industry is undergoing a big transition as we make the changes and investments required to secure a zero-carbon future. It is necessary for manufacturers to proceed to work along with the Government to deliver on this goal and make sure the global competitiveness of the UK automotive industry. This latest Plan will help prepare British businesses and the Government to maximise the opportunities this era of change will bring.”
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
