New battery technology centre sparks hopes for 10,000 jobs
The creation of a national centre for battery technology could help to create 10,000 new jobs for Coventry and position the city as the UK hub of electric and autonomous vehicle development.
The new Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street has already given his support to the idea, which could become a priority for the next government – whatever its colour.
The proposals for the National Battery Prototype Centre, which would be developed by the Warwick Manufacturing Group and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, were presented to Business Secretary Greg Clark before the dissolution of the last Conservative government.
Should the policy be pursued and Coventry’s bid is successful, the centre would become part of the Whitley South Technology Campus in Coventry, close to the site where Jaguar Land Rover is currently expanding operations.
It would develop prototypes in partnership with major global brands, helping to put the region at the forefront of the new generation of automotive design and manufacturing.
Estimates are that once at full capacity, the project has the potential to unlock 10,000 new jobs in Coventry.
Mr Street has joined with the chairman of the CWLEP, Jonathan Browning and the chairman of the Warwick Manufacturing Group, Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya to press Coventry’s case for the project.
Mr Street said the West Midlands would make a compelling choice for the National Battery Prototype Centre and he would be leading the region in putting its case to Government.
“I have committed to working as mayor to establish the West Midlands as a world-leading centre for advanced manufacturing, technology and the creative industries, life sciences, professional services, low carbon technology and construction,” he said.
“This proposal is part of that mission and we are optimistic of receiving support from the new Government.
“The West Midlands is already the centre for the UK’s automotive industry. Now we have a golden opportunity to reinvent ourselves as the global centre for self-driving, connected and electric vehicles.”
He said the new facility would serve as a springboard for the continuing growth of automotive manufacturing in Coventry, while the further benefits would be felt across the region to the rest of the country and around the world.
“The national battery prototype facility will help the West Midlands lead the way in the production of electric vehicles, building on the highest level of investment in automotive research innovation in the country and a 150,000-strong supplier base,” he added.
