Updated plans unveiled for Somerset EV battery plant
It'll now open in 2027 - a year later than planned
Updated plans have been published by those behind the UK's biggest electric vehicle battery plant - which is at the Gravity site in Somerset.
It'll actually now be nearly 100 metres shorter than the first schematics were originally outlining, with bosses saying it's 'meaning we can do more with less'.
They say: "Since breaking ground at the Gravity site, we’ve made incredible progress in bringing the UK’s largest and most advanced battery manufacturing facility to life.
"We’re dedicated to building a lasting, positive impact for Somerset and the wider region."
Amongst their achievements so far, they say they have:
- First phase construction - piling for the first phase of the build is complete, and work to connect the facility to power and utilities is well underway
- New site entrance - opened a new dedicated site entrance to improve road access and reduce traffic on other roads
- Support for local businesses - their Supplier Engagement Day welcomed hundreds of local businesses looking to be part of our supply chain
- On-site facilities - they've introduced new local catering services for their construction workforce, ensuring teams are well-supported while on site
- New site offices - additional site cabins have been installed to support their growing on-site teams and operations
- Investing in skills - have been working closely with Bridgwater & Taunton College and Somerset Council to develop training programmes for young people and people looking to retrain
In their updated document, which has been published ahead of this week's local consultation events, they said: "Since we first began developing our site in 2023, battery manufacturing technology has moved fast.
"To stay ahead, we’re making some updates to the first phase of our build.
"Through new cutting-edge innovations, we’re making our operations more compact and even more efficient.
"The length of our first building will be shortened (by about 100 metres), meaning we can do more with less, cutting waste and boosting productivity without compromising on our ambition.
"To make sure we’re building for the future, our timeline is shifting slightly - we’re now aiming to complete our first building in 2027.
"But construction is continuing and this summer, you’ll start to see the steel framework going up, bringing our vision to life."
Read more: First phase of £4 billion gigafactory in Somerset approved