UK could become ‘an industrial irrelevance’ without EV investment warn industry experts

This is the stark conclusion of Euan McTurk, consultant battery electrochemist at Plug Life Consulting, who joins leading figures including Inobat chairman Dr Andy Palmer, Fiona Howarth, CEO, Octopus Electric Vehicles, and FairCharge founder Quentin Willson in a joint statement around perceived media criticism of EV costs, and the need for a domestic supply of EV batteries.

They believe clear and present policy, alongside private and public collaboration, is essential for a successful energy transition and maintaining the upward trajectory – and affordability - of EVs.

Dr Palmer said: “There’s a lot of push back at moment around EVs in the media, with a strong focus on affordability. Looking at the Moores Curve equation, mass production of batteries, and therefore EVs, will ultimately drive price points down. This is why we need domestic battery cell production. Another point… is the focus on bigger batteries. The reality is most people need smaller batteries, they don’t drive 300+ miles regularly, and this will likely become a trend as we continue to ramp up adoption. Smaller batteries mean lower costs and therefore improved affordability.”