Britain’s electric vehicle battery industry has secured more than £7 billion of investment across at least 14 major commercial projects, according to new research.
The report from independent transport research organisation New AutoMotive shows an increasingly diverse supply chain, covering lithium extraction and chemical refining, large-scale battery cell production, advanced materials and battery recycling.
Projects range from lithium extraction in Cornwall to major gigafactories in Sunderland and Somerset. Together, they are reported to generate £4.2bn in annual turnover and support more than 10,000 skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the UK.
New AutoMotive said the findings show that the UK has developed one of Europe’s most varied and innovative battery ecosystems. However, it warned that continued growth will depend on a long-term policy framework that gives businesses the confidence to invest and increase production.
“The findings show that the UK has developed one of Europe’s most varied and innovative battery ecosystems.”
New AutoMotive
The investment will play an important role in supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, although manufacturing capacity is only one part of the transition. Drivers and fleets also need efficient support throughout the vehicle ownership and accident repair process.
AX is helping to address this through its EV-for-EV replacement guarantee, which keeps EV drivers mobile in an electric replacement vehicle following an accident. Its EValuate initiative also gives drivers of ICE vehicles the opportunity to experience an EV while their own car is off the road.
In 2025, AX published its EV Battery Longevity & Post-Accident Outcomes report. It highlights gaps in EV training, diagnostics, legislation and repair processes, giving recommendations to reduce unnecessary write-offs and how to offer safer, more efficient post-accident outcomes.
