UK's Electric Vehicle Dreams Hit Roadblock: AESC Gigafactory Expansion Delayed A significant setback has emerged in the UK's ambitious plan to transition away from petrol and diesel cars, as the country's largest gigafactory, owned by Chinese company AESC, has put its expansion plans on hold. The decision comes amid stalled talks between AESC and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) over a deal to supply electric car batteries, as well as lower-than-expected demand from Nissan, which is also a key customer of the gigafactory. The news raises concerns about the UK's ability to meet its electric vehicle targets, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham recently calling for a review of new EV sales targets due to concerns about supply chain capacity. As the UK's automotive industry faces a crucial juncture, the delay in AESC's expansion plans has sparked fears that the country's electric vehicle ambitions may be losing momentum.
Chinese-owned AESC has pushed back plans in sign of slowing transition from petrol and diesel to electric carsAndy Burnham moves to cut new EV sales targetsThe UK’s biggest gigafactory has shelved plans to expand production in Sunderland because of stalled talks on a deal to supply electric car batteries to Jaguar Land Rover.Chinese-owned AESC produces batteries for Nissan at its gigafactory next door to the Japanese carmaker’s Sunderland plant. However, AESC has had to push back its ramp-up plans because of lower-than-expected demand from Nissan and the lack of a deal with JLR, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Continue reading...
