British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last week he was talking to the United States and European UnionConcerns have been rising within Britain's car industry over the lack of major EV battery plants, without which many fear vehicle production will shift to the EU. So far, only Nissan
has announced it will build a battery plant in Sunderland, while dozens of plants have been announced, or are under construction in Europe., said Britain's car industry would be "in trouble" without UK-made batteries. The SMMT's recommendations for making Britain more competitive include providing more generous incentives and subsidies for battery-related projects, cutting energy costs, streamlining planning approval for battery production, and expanding the country's free trade agreements.
"With other parts of the world turbocharging their support for the zero-emission vehicle transition, we need to step up to compete in this global race," SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said in a statement.