Get in touch
For more information or to get in touch to find out how you can support the Electric Light Vehicles and Batteries, please email planforgrowth@wmca.org.uk.
The Electric Light Vehicle (ELV) Cluster has been formed to accelerate the transition of the West Midlands manufacturing sector, and associated supply chain, from internal combustion to electric vehicle (EV) volume production.
Led by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), a leader in applied research and innovative engineering based at the University of Warwick, the Cluster leadership group brings together industry, academic and other experts from across the West Midlands to form an electric vehicle and battery storage ecosystem, facilitating a credible and recognised group to leverage its strengths, assets, sector specialisms and organisations to collectively develop the strategies, future direction to drive regional growth.
Opportunity
Batteries represent a substantial portion of electric vehicle (EV) costs, accounting for 40% of the total expense. To maximise regional economic benefits and maintain this significant value within the West Midlands, the development of a major battery manufacturing facility, or Gigafactory, is essential.
The West Midlands is well placed to host this pioneering initiative at Greenpower Park, set to become the UK’s centre of excellence for battery technology and manufacturing. Greenpower Park is the only Gigafactory site in the UK that not only lies within the newly designated Investment Zone, but also has existing planning permission for a large-scale battery production facility.
This strategic alignment underscores the region's commitment to leading in the green industrial revolution, boosting local innovation, and securing a sustainable economic future.
Photo courtesy of WMG, The University of Warwick
Regional Competitive Advantage
The Cluster will assist the Investment Zone to help secure private investment for the Greenpower Park, identify capability gaps to be tackled and fill them by helping businesses of all sizes ‘pivot’ their output to operate in the future ecosystem through supply chain development and new workforce skills.
The West Midlands stands as the core of the UK's automotive sector, distinguished by its formidable assets and a leadership role in the research and development of pioneering technologies. This region is at the cutting edge of advancements in new battery technologies, battery recycling and propulsion systems for electric vehicles.
As the automotive industry evolves towards a sustainable future, the West Midlands is poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities. The Cluster is dedicated to harnessing this regional expertise and infrastructure to drive innovation and growth within the burgeoning electric vehicle ecosystem.