Run by global certification company Intertek, the expanded laboratory will employ 100 people locally. Facilities include battery simulators for testing long-range packs, emissions measurement equipment and six 1,000kW powertrain development test cells – even suitable for HGVs – which were commissioned last summer.

“It makes perfect sense that global companies like Intertek would choose to expand their UK base when we are the largest market for ultra-low emission vehicles in Europe,” said Goodwill. “We are backing industry with a £600 million investment until 2020 to ensure every new UK car and van is a zero emission vehicle by 2040.”

Tony Braddon, MD of Intertek Milton Keynes added: “The future of the automotive industry is changing and moving into a high-tech future where the use of internal combustion engines is being augmented and superseded by hybrid technology, batteries and electric motors.”