Britishvolt chooses Mira for new global headquarters

Advanced battery technology investor Britishvolt has announced its plans to make the Mira Technology Park Campus near Coventry the home of its 5000sqm global headquarters. The company wants its new HQ to be fully operational by 2022. The news follows the UK government’s decision to bring forward its ban on the production of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Britishvolt said the facility, in the traditional heartland of the country’s automotive industry, will spearhead the development of battery technologies for future electrified vehicles.

Britishvolt adds that it wants to expand the site further to “bring highly skilled and specialist jobs to the West Midlands.” The company wants to build the UK’s first battery gigaplant, supporting the vehicle parc’s transition to electric engines. It is targeting the fourth quarter of 2023 to begin production, having signed an MoU with the Welsh government in 2020.

Britishvolt CEO, Orral Nadjari, said: “A new global headquarters in the West Midlands marks a crucial step for Britishvolt, especially coming so soon after last week’s announcement regarding the new 2030 deadline. The battery industry is constantly evolving and it’s important that we stay ahead to position the UK at the forefront of the global battery industry. With further development being planned it is in the right place to take advantage of world-class talent. We intend to produce world-class batteries, which are strategically important both for the future of the UK automotive industry and the future strength of the entire UK economy. We are hoping to start working closely with local government to help make our additional plans for future development a certainty.”

Mira Technology Park managing director, Tim Nathan “We are extremely pleased to welcome Britishvolt to MIRA Technology Park. It joins a large number of companies dedicated to the UK being at the forefront of automotive innovation. Britishvolt’s mission to develop and produce world-class lithium-ion batteries is crucial to the future of the UK automotive industry as we rapidly progress to an electrified future.”

Britishvolt chief strategy officer, Isobel Sheldon “World-leading talent in the right place is essential if Britishvolt is to stay ahead of the battery technology curve. We are working hard to ensure that we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the leading skills that we have in the UK.”