- Tata Motors says it’s planning to invest more than £4bn, to build an electric car battery factory in the UK.
- According to Tata Group, this marks one of the largest-ever investments in the British automotive sector, and the gigafactory will deliver half of the battery production needed by 2030.
- This is the company’s first gigafactory outside of India – and Mr. Sunak said it was an “incredibly proud” moment.
- “With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said.
- Production at the new facility is due to start in 2026.
Tata Motors says it’s planning to invest more than £4bn, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declaring that the new plant will create thousands of skilled jobs for Britons across the country. The owner of Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled plans to build an electric car battery factory in the UK.
The deal marks a step in the right direction for UK ministers amid mounting challenges over the transition to electric powertrains, as the clock ticks down to the 2030 ban on the sale of new cars using petrol or diesel.
According to Tata Group, this marks one of the largest-ever investments in the British automotive sector, and the gigafactory will deliver half of the battery production needed by 2030.
Tata’s choice of Britain is a win for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government. “Tata Group’s multi-billion-pound investment in a new battery factory in the UK is a testament to the strength of our car manufacturing industry and its skilled workers,” Sunak said in the statement.
This is the company’s first gigafactory outside of India – and Mr. Sunak said it was an “incredibly proud” moment. The government said the factory would create up to 4,000 jobs, with further roles expected to be created in the supply chain.
Tata had been considering Britain or Spain for its new factory. “With this strategic investment, the Tata Group further strengthens its commitment to the UK,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in the statement.
Britain is trying to catch up in the global race to build electric vehicle (EV) battery capacity locally – vital for automakers that rely on heavy batteries being built near their car factories.
The new gigafactory will supply Jaguar Land Rover’s future battery electric models – including the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar brands, with the potential to also supply other car manufacturers.
Production at the new facility is due to start in 2026.
(With inputs from agencies)
