A new government-backed facility which manufactures electric motors has officially been opened in Oxford.

University of Oxford’s spinout YASA’s 100,000 capacity plant will help deliver the next generation of environment-friendly hybrid and pure electric vehicles (EVs).

Around 80% of production is to be exported around the world, including China.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark opened the facility, which he believes will help the UK capitalise on the move towards a low carbon economy.

He said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of our Industrial Strategy and our economy. This spirit is embodied by YASA, a thriving business that has emerged from one of our finest institutions and is now helping to deliver the UK’s ambition to lead the world in meeting the grand challenges presented by clean growth and future of mobility.

“The factory is testimony to what can be achieved through our industrial approach, when academia, government and industry come together.”

Mr Clark has also announced £184 million of investment for 41 universities to help train the next generation of engineers and scientists.

The funding will support four-year doctoral training between 2018 and 2019.