September 6, 2023 – Carl Perrin, CEO of the Institute for Clean Growth and Future Mobility at Coventry University, warns that the UK’s industry is standing at a pivotal moment in the electrification race. He emphasizes the need for sustained investment in enabling domestic firms to commercialize emerging technologies while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to electrification roles.
Perrin’s concerns are highlighted by Tata Group’s recent decision to invest £4 billion in a new electric car battery factory in the South West, which he views as a positive development but stresses that it must be just the starting point for enhancing supply chain capacity.
“The UK is making significant strides in developing early-stage technologies crucial for the electric vehicle (EV) race, but we are reaching a crucial juncture,” Perrin noted. “With the government’s ambitious target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 rapidly approaching, we must expedite our domestic EV production base and related supply chains. Failing to do so will lead to an increasing dependence on imports, which we cannot afford.”
He continued, “We need to identify where capacity is required and, importantly, the skills needed to support these manufacturing facilities. Efforts are underway to transition existing workers into new roles and ensure that SMEs are well-supported on this journey.”
Coventry University’s Institute for Clean Growth and Mobility, one of the UK’s leading institutions in clean mobility projects, will showcase many of its initiatives at the Cenex-LCV and Cenex-CAM events taking place at UTAC Millbrook from September 6 to 7.
Perrin underlines the importance of taking a holistic approach to meet Net Zero targets, addressing not only tailpipe emissions but also emissions from manufacturing processes, supply chains, and end-of-life vehicle considerations. Additionally, he emphasizes the critical need to develop and map the skills required for the anticipated 250,000 new Green Economy jobs projected by the government.
One notable initiative presented at Cenex-LCV is the Electric Revolution Skills (ERS) Hub, which provides training, development, and job opportunities for individuals seeking careers in power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD). The ERS Hub offers a body of knowledge and an advanced skills diagnostic tool to help businesses understand the necessary skill sets.
In conclusion, Perrin emphasizes the importance of increased collaboration within the UK industry to ensure a successful shift toward achieving Net Zero targets.