The West Midlands Gigafactory joint venture has confirmed that it is in advanced discussions with several leading Asian battery manufacturers about future investment at the Coventry site.

The JV says it’s the only available site in the UK with planning permission in place for a large-scale battery production facility with capacity for up to 60GWh per annum

It’s the only available site in the UK with planning permission in place for a large-scale battery production facility with capacity for up to 60GWh per annum – enough to power 600,000 electric vehicles.

It’s also said to be the first of its kind in the UK is offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics designed to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem.

The location also benefits from a strong transport infrastructure for the future Gigafactory’s logistics requirements, supply chain and access for up to 6,000 employees.

The eventual occupier is being offered an “unprecedented regional incentives package” in recognition of the strategic importance of this project; a move expected to create favourable conditions for local taxation and access to clean, sustainable power that a world-class battery facility requires.

Speaking at the Labour Party Conference last week, Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “The West Midlands Gigafactory site in Coventry is a prime location offering future investors an all-in-one solution for battery manufacturing, research, industrialisation and recycling. In addition, we are well-positioned to become an investment zone, which will deliver significant additional tax incentives and breaks for future investors.

“I’m pleased to report that we are now in advanced discussions with leading Asian battery manufacturers who want to develop a presence in the UK. We hope, with the support of the UK Government, that we will secure an investor and further strengthen our region’s leadership credentials in the shift towards electrification.”