A cross-party commission has published recommendations for Britain’s battery industry, warning that the UK is at a decisive moment for automotive competitiveness and investment.
The Commission, chaired by Lord Hutton of Furness and composed of parliamentarians and industry experts, says that as Europe, the United States and Asia continue to attract gigafactory investment, the UK risks falling behind without coordinated action, placing more than 200,000 automotive jobs, export capacity, and the industrial base at risk.
The recommendations aim to secure long-term automotive competitiveness and energy security through financial incentives, engagement, and a tripartite strategy that links an automotive original equipment manufacturer, a cell manufacturer as gigafactory operator, and active material manufacturers to strengthen the supply chain.
“The UK is at a pivotal moment for its automotive and battery industries. This Commission sets out a practical plan for securing a new gigafactory by anchoring it to OEM demand, matching international investment incentives, and fixing long-standing barriers around energy costs, planning and grid access. If the government acts on these recommendations in the next 12 to 18 months, the UK can protect hundreds of thousands of jobs, rebuild investor confidence and remain a serious competitor in the global race for electric vehicle manufacturing,” Lord Hutton said in a statement.
The findings build on the UK Battery Strategy, the Industrial Strategy, the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, and government programmes including DRIVE35 and the Battery Innovation Programme.
The Commission is now calling for proactive government leadership, including a named Cabinet minister responsible for securing investment in gigafactories, electric vehicle plants, and the active materials supply chain, supported by a Cabinet sub-committee and secretariat.
To restore competitiveness, the Commission highlights the need to secure a global OEM with near-term EV plans, reinforced by senior-level engagement, tailored incentives, fast-tracked sites, and a benchmarked package covering energy costs, grants, and site support. It also calls for domestic cathode and anode manufacturing aligned with the Critical Minerals Strategy, expanded recycling capacity, and ready-to-build sites with grid, water, and planning secured.
Policy recommendations include reducing industrial energy costs through Energy Intensive Industries relief, recalibrating the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, phasing in the 2027 Rules of Origin, fast-tracking next-generation battery chemistries, and launching a national skills campaign supported by apprenticeships, curriculum reform, and vendor-led training.
