JLR’s multi-million pound electric car plan

JAGUAR Land Rover is working on plans to build a massive battery factory for a new generation of electric cars.

The company, which manufactures its highly successful Range Rover Evoque model at Halewood on Merseyside, is planning to invest several hundred million pounds in the plant.

The Sunday Times said the company was undecided on whether to build the plant in the UK or overseas.

JLR, like many care makers, is under pressure to cut emissions, faced with tough regulations and fines while the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles is growing.

The Midlands-based car maker would be following the lead of rivals Nissan and Tesla in developing its own battery technology if its plans go ahead.

The new plant would be built next to a new electrical vehicle factory, the report said, and would have significant capacity.

However, the investment has not been finalised and the outcome of Thursday’s EU referendum vote could play a significant factor in the final decision.

Still in the balance is which battery technology to use, with options including Panasonic and LG being considered.

JLR employs a total of 35,000 people in the UK, 4,500 of those based at Halewood.

The company is not commenting on the report.