but if the UK backs away from an ambitious electric vehicle strategy, further investments in the battery value chain or jobs may not materialise.on European battery investment, suggests that at least 100 GWh is at risk, or 70% of the announced battery investments in the UK. These will put the UK at the mercy of global volatile markets to secure the components and metals for its green transition, losing out on jobs and business value.
The government is subsidising the Tata gigafactory with estimates suggesting this is worth £500m but any uncertainty around the UK’s transition to EVs will spook investors meaning the government will likely have to stump up more subsidies at a time when there is severe pressure on public finances. T&E warns that the UK is sacrificing its long-term industrial and decarbonisation strategy to appease a few climate sceptic MPs and parts of the media that are hostile to the transition.
Richard Hebditch, UK director of Transport & Environment, said: “It’s frankly ludicrous that some in government are even considering watering down the zero emissions car and van mandate. The mandate is designed to aid the industry to smoothly transition to electric vehicles at every stage of the process — manufacturing, charging infrastructure, battery production.
“The biggest threat to planned investment comes from ‘dither and delay’, undermining trust and confidence in the UK from those considering investing in the battery supply chain and charging infrastructure. Prime Minister Sunak needs to send a clear and strong message to investors, and his own party by celebrating a success story with investments to support UK jobs that can deliver reductions in emissions — not undermining the very policies that create that success.”I don't like paywalls.
Unfortunately, the media business is still a tough, cut-throat business with tiny margins. It's a never-ending Olympic challenge to stay above water or even perhaps —