Jaguar expected to pick Somerset for battery plant

Guy Taylor

THE UK is set to win a battle with Spain for production of a multibillion pound Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) electric vehicle battery plant.

The reports, revealed by the BBC yesterday, say that although a deal has yet to be signed, sources have said that the engagement has moved from negotiations to drafting.

The flagship gigafactory would produce electric car batteries for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and has been touted as critical for the UK in staying competitive in the EV race, while the automotive sector said it will be essential in keeping it competitive in the market.

Tata Steel – JLR’s parent company –had been contemplating a site in Spain for the deal, but according to the BBC, is now expected to choose Somerset for its location.

It comes after the UK government faced warnings from Vauxhall-owner Stellantis last week that, unless postBrexit trade deals are re-negotiated, the company could face closure of some of its factories due to high tariffs. The automotive sector has repeatedly warned that the UK is at risk of falling further behind in the EV race if it does not improve its local electric battery making capacity.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was pressed on the UK’s EV strategy at the London Chamber of Commerce last week and insisted that the government remained “very focused” on ensuring Britain improves its electric car production capacity.

“All I would say is watch this space, because we are very focused on making sure the UK gets that EV manufacturing capacity,” he said. Jaguar, Tata Steel and the Department for Business and Trade were contacted for comment.