A leading automotive industry body says the UK Government needs to act urgently to ensure the country can compete internationally in electric vehicle production.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has issued a blueprint for how the UK could respond to "fierce competition” from other countries.
It includes suggestions the UK government could cut energy costs, speed up funding for green energy projects and expand free trade agreements.
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Its Green Automotive Transformation Strategy also calls for more generous subsidies and a reduction in red tape for proposed battery-production schemes.
The organisation says the plan would make the UK a world leader in advanced automotive manufacturing - and would respond to the Inflation Reduction Act in the US and the Green Deal Industrial Plan in the European Union, which included steps to boost EV production.
Fully electric or hybrid vehicles made up around a third of all UK-built cars last year, with an export value of £10bn.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Britain boasts a firm foundation of EV production, backed by low-carbon energy, outstanding R&D (research and development) and a highly skilled and productive workforce.
“We must not squander these advantages. With other parts of the world turbocharging their support for the zero emission vehicle transition, we need to step up to compete in this global race.
“Every part of the country has a stake in the switch and with fast, decisive action we can deliver for Britain the growth, jobs and green prosperity this country deserves.”
