The United Kingdom brexit refers to Britain disengaging from the European Union while retaining positive aspects of the relationship. We had no idea how complicated the process was. The Guardian suggested batteries have a critical role to play in the acrimonious ‘divorce settlement’. Or else we could see a repeat of the collapse of the British motoring industry as happened in the 1970’s.
How United Kingdom Brexit Could Affect British EV Industry
The cost and performance of batteries increasingly affects the success of electric vehicle brands. China has been taking an increasingly powerful lead, while Europe has been fighting back strongly. However, these efforts have been mainly centered on the European mainland, hence our interest in the United Kingdom brexit.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said it would invest billions in producing new electric vehicles in the UK on Friday, July 5, 2019. However, JLR boss Ralph Speth was more cautious. “One thing is clear,” he said “If batteries go out of the UK, then also the automotive production will go out of the UK,” he warned.
The Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Heaps Coals on the Fire
The Volkswagen emissions scandal has added fresh impetus to meeting decarbonization targets. Moreover, Gen Z and the Millennial Generation are increasingly skeptical of commerce’s commitment to doing open and honest business.
The next generation of electrical vehicle owners will be wondering where battery support will come from in the UK. BMW has optimistically announced a new electric Mini. However PSA Group making Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall is waiting for the United Kingdom brexit to resolve before it decides where to build its new plant. The Guardian says the UK “will need annual battery capacity of as much as 200 gigawatt hours to meet demand”.
This would be a hundred times greater than current production. This equates to 13 Tesla giga factories, unless the UK can source the batteries from Europe after brexit however that may turn out to be.
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UK Gadget Crisis Looms After Brexit
Preview Image: End of the Line for British Motor Manufacturing
