- UK is on track for over 1 million EVs by 2035, requiring 100 GWh+ in batteries.
- APC identifies key growth drivers: attracting new models and advancing battery tech.
- Global shift to BEVs expected to drive significant battery demand, surpassing 5 TWh by 2035.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK projects that the UK will produce over 1 million EVs by 2035, with massive supply chain boosts incoming
The UK is on track to achieve a significant milestone in electric vehicle (EV) production. Between 2030 and 2035, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) forecasts that the UK can manufacture over one million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) domestically.
This anticipated surge would generate a demand for more than 100 GWh of automotive batteries. So, the boom in manufacturing could catalyse growth opportunities within the UK’s supply chain. Gigafactory investments like Tata’s Bridgwater battery plant could become bastions of the industry.
Achieving this milestone hinges on several strategic factors
Chief among them is the attraction of new automotive models or manufacturers to the UK. With the EU announcing the imposition of tariffs on EVs imported from China, the UK could capitalise this opportunity to become an EV leader. Additionally, investments in advanced battery technologies, including solid-state electrolytes, are crucial to sustaining this upward trajectory.
The UK is already forging ahead in the transition to zero-emission vehicles, with projections indicating that these vehicles could constitute 95% of its production by 2035.
Dr. Hadi Moztarzadeh, Head of Technology Trends at APC, explained the projections:
“The UK is ahead of many countries, with fully zero-emission vehicles expected to account for 95% or more of production. That’s a total of one million electric vehicles by 2035. Consequently, those vehicles are likely to need more than 100 GWh of batteries, which presents interesting options for the battery supply chain in the UK.
In Europe, the demand for automotive batteries is forecast to exceed 1 TWh by 2035, accounting for 20% of global demand. Much like the situation in the UK, the growth in BEV production is expected to come largely from a change in vehicle split rather than an increase in production totals.”
The demand for automotive batteries will escalate dramatically, exceeding 5 TWh globally by 2035. To capitalise on these opportunities and surpass projected milestones, the UK must continue to attract investments and foster innovation within its automotive sector. With a probable win at the upcoming general election for the Labour Party, we’re likely to see an injection of energy into the UK’s domestic supply chain and EV prospects.
