The UK Government is to open an electric vehicle (EV) technology centre as part of a £120 million investment in low carbon transport.

Through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), it will dedicate £80 million for the new National Battery Manufacturing Development Facility (NMDF) in Coventry, which aims to improve the volume and cost issues associated with the technology’s manufacture.

The government says the site will build on the West Midlands’ reputation for automotive expertise by hosting innovative production and assembly processes, as well as supporting the future scale-up of battery storage.

The NMDF will focus on turning promising projects and activities into commercially viable business propositions while also providing a learning environment to enable training and skills development for British companies.

Business and Energy Secretary, Greg Clark said: “Battery technology is one of the most game-changing forms of energy innovation and it is one of the cornerstones of our ambition, through the Industrial Strategy and the Faraday Challenge, to ensure that the UK leads the world and reaps the economic benefits, in the global transition to a low carbon economy.”

Philip Hammond pledged £540 million for EVs and related charging infrastructure in his recent Autumn Budget.