The United Kingdom has announced a major funding push to accelerate its electric vehicle (EV) transition, focusing on domestic battery production and supply chain resilience.
The country’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has awarded a £380 million grant to Agratas, the battery arm of India’s Tata Group. The funding forms part of a wider £470 million government package under the DRIVE35 Automotive Transformation Fund, managed by the Department for Business and Trade.
Major Investment in UK Gigafactory
The support backs a £4 billion private investment to develop a large-scale battery gigafactory at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Key details of the project include:
- Expected 40 GWh production capacity
- Around 4,000 direct jobs created
- Phase 1 operational target: late 2027
- One of the largest battery manufacturing facilities in Europe
Agratas will operate the facility as its primary site in the UK.
Initial Supply to Jaguar Land Rover
In its early phase, the Somerset gigafactory will supply batteries to Jaguar Land Rover, with plans to expand to additional automotive manufacturers over time.
Strengthening Supply Chains and Energy Security
UK authorities said the investment is aimed at:
- Boosting domestic EV battery production
- Reducing dependence on imports
- Strengthening industrial and energy security
- Supporting long-term EV adoption goals
UK–India Clean Mobility Link
The British High Commission in India highlighted the project as a significant example of collaboration between the two countries in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, with Tata Group playing a central role through Agratas.
Outlook
The initiative marks a major step in the UK’s strategy to build a self-reliant EV ecosystem. By expanding domestic battery manufacturing capacity, the country aims to secure supply chains and reinforce its position in the global shift toward electric mobility.
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