The site will focus on developing innovative battery chemistries that reduce energy waste and increase efficiency. A total of £13m of the total investment will be put towards this end. The site in the West Midlands, to be run by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), will be the biggest of its kind in Europe.
Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, WMG chairman, thanked Javid for his support and stressed the importance of new battery technologies for both industrial and commercial purposes.
“Electric and hybrid vehicles are the future of automotive and WMG is at the forefront of this research. We have a long history of research impact in hybrid, electric and low carbon vehicles which he has been able to see first-hand,” he said.
Javid in turn praised the work WMG has done in developing the technology, both in the past and through its current work.
“WMG is a world leader in battery technology research that supports the evolution of electric vehicles, promoting innovation and attracting investment to the local area,” he said.
“The Midlands Engine is home to a diverse range of exciting businesses and universities and its continued success is creating highly-skilled jobs. Today’s announcement is another example of why the economy here has been outperforming the rest of the country since 2010.”
