UK Gigafactory: Tata’s First Battery Plant Outside India

Construction Begins on UK’s Largest Battery Plant

Work has officially started on one of Europe’s largest electric vehicle battery plants. Tata Group’s battery arm, Agratas, has begun construction at the Bridgwater battery site in Somerset. The factory, set to open in 2027, is a key piece of Tata’s global expansion and a major push for UK EV manufacturing.

Approved over a year ago, the £4 billion facility is being built on a former World War II bomb-making site. This week, Agratas erected the first steel frames for the main building using material from British suppliers. The next phase of construction will begin soon as foundation work continues. Agratas called this a “major milestone.”

Earl Wiggins, VP of Manufacturing at Agratas, said it was a "proud moment" for the company and this "world-leading facility."

He added: “This is a facility that will play a huge role in the EV supply chain in the UK, and growth and innovation right here in Somerset will be at its heart.”

Government Support and Future Plans

The construction milestone closely follows the UK Government’s launch of a new Industrial Strategy, aimed at strengthening advanced manufacturing and battery technology.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said: “It’s great to see this milestone reached for Agratas’ gigafactory, which shows the huge growth potential for UK battery manufacturing.”

This will be Tata’s first battery plant outside India, with a planned capacity of 40GWh, making it the largest in Europe. It may be officially named Agratas South West, though no final name has been confirmed.

Initially, the factory will supply batteries to Tata Motors and JLR, both owned by Tata Group. It is expected to expand later into batteries for commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, and energy storage systems. The plant will use prismatic battery cells, which differ from the cylindrical format used by Tesla and BMW. The chemistry can be updated as new battery tech evolves.

Economic Impact and Industry Outlook

Tata expects to create 4,000 jobs at the factory, with thousands more in the supply chain. The company plans to hire local talent and anticipates that support businesses and technology firms will set up nearby.

Tata’s investment is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the UK’s EV future, especially after years of uncertainty in the auto sector. However, experts warn more battery capacity is needed. The Faraday Institute says the UK will require 100GWh by 2030 and 200GWh by 2040 to meet EV demand.

Conclusion

This Tata EV gigafactory represents more than a new facility. It signals Tata’s long-term commitment to innovation, job creation, and green manufacturing in the UK. It’s a turning point for Britain’s position in the global EV battery race.

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