The Financial Times recently reported that reliable sources have suggested that Nissan are “in advanced talks” with the UK government to progress plans to build a battery factory right here in the UK in 2024. The decision would be key in supporting Nissan’s transition to an EV-only line-up. An official decision is expected before the end of the year.
Nissan already has a large base in the North East and is taking steps to expand it with the view that the UK could become the site of it’s biggest production hub outside of its native Japan. The existing battery production facility in Sunderland (run by engineering partner, Envision) will be expanded to supply larger power packs for it’s popular Leaf model whilst complying with post-Brexit foreign trade rules. The new factory would place the factory as the UK’s second facility of this nature, with a similar one planned by Britishvolt in Blyth.
To continue to be a global competitor in the automotive industry, the UK government need to continue to make plans with other gigafactory investors so that we don’t get left behind in the global market.
Nissan’s news could be extremely positive for the North East in bringing new engineering jobs to the area.
Bring It On, The Exhibition for Future Engineers in the North East and the Tees Valley is about to enter its fifth successful year.