How Electrification can Help Drive Growth in the UK - Mobility Leaders Offer up Post-Election Thoughts

The UK has a new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and a new government that has placed economic growth at the core of its ambitions for the country. In tems of the mobility sector, securing electric vehicle (EV) battery cell supply is vital for the future of the UK’s competitiveness and economic success.

Starmer has also previously stated he would bring back the 2030 deadline for a ban on sales of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. 

"Sir Keir Starmer and his party have made clear commitments to creating a Gigafactory, and associated supply chain, in the West Midlands and accelerate the UK’s transition to an electrified future. From automotive to energy storage, there is an urgent need to secure global battery manufacturers along with the associated supply chain to meet the growing demand for electrification in the UK," says Richard Moore, Battery Strategy Expert at Greenpower Park.

Greenpower Park is the UK’s Centre of Electrification and Clean Energy. It has called on the new government to accelerate domestic battery production to attract further global battery manufacturers, as well as the associated supply chain, to invest in the UK. 

"Electrification, across all sectors, is of strategic importance for the UK and it needs to be part of the new Government’s broader industrial strategy which will ensure that potential investors consider the UK in the future. Greenpower Park is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing." adds Moore.

Securing Investment 

The UK is lagging behind many other global countries, such as the US, France and Spain, when attracting multiple investors in the EV supply chain.

Richard Staveley is CEO of  UK-based EV charging provider, EO Charging. He is calling for strategic investment in electrification of fleets to achieve Net Zero.

“We already know that developing and investing in the right infrastructure to support electrification is important, but focusing on the electrification of commercial and public sector fleets is fundamental. We need to see Labour developing and implementing a strategy that tackles the challenges to EV adoption and creates long-term reliable funding, particularly for commercial and public sector fleets, which stand to have the greatest environmental impact," he says.

Owned by the global energy trading company Vitol, VEV helps large fleets, corporate fleets and municipalities to decarbonise.

Mike Nakrani, CEO, VEV, comments: "The new government's pledge to reinstate the 2030 ICE ban and accelerate EV charging infrastructure, is a positive signal for the eMobility industry. Whilst commercial fleets are already leading the way in the transition from diesel to EVs, this is reliant on fleet-owners building their own charging infrastructure in their depots."

LEVC is an EV manufacturer that's best known for its electric black taxis. It has called on the new Government to outline a clear industrial strategy to help secure investment in the UK.

"This investment will be critical to driving supply chain development and helping to maximise the input of the country’s high skills base and manufacturing excellence. These elements will be key in affirming the UK's relevance in the developing global automotive landscape. Chris Allen, Managing Director,” comments Chris Allen, LEVC's Managing Director.

"LEVC looks forward to working with the new Government to further accelerate the adoption of clean and accessible public mobility solutions,” concludes Allen.