Europe’s evolving battery supply chain is set to create 140,000-250,000 of jobs in the next five years, according to a new tracker by New Automotive.
The news also comes as estimated 62,274 people currently employed in the sector across the continent. Total jobs in the sector could be more than 300,000 by 2030, if the EU maintains its current targets for electric vehicles (EV).
The European Battery Supply Chain Tracker, records 30,600 jobs in the gigafactory section of the supply chain, with 62,000 in the wider supply chain, across 179 projects where data was available.
These figures, when multiplied by a factor of two to account for wider supply chain activities, reveal the employment impact of the sector.
The app, developed by New AutoMotive, offers a comprehensive view of the diverse projects underpinning Europe’s transition to electric mobility. It catalogues initiatives across the mining, refining, electrodes, gigafactories, and recycling sectors, providing a tool for stakeholders to monitor the industry’s evolution.
New AutoMotive’s analysis, informed by modelling from Menon Economics, predicts that total supply chain employment could reach between 202,800 and 312,000 jobs.
But it stated that it was only possible if the continued transition to EVs occurs, with many of these projects directly tied to the distribution of EV batteries. The ongoing discussions about potentially changing the 2035 “de facto ban” on new petrol and diesel cars could caste doubt on the figures.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said:
“Jobs in gigafactories and electric car manufacturing are not just a vague promise of the future, they are today’s reality. We found that behind the headlines, Europe has a thriving and rapidly growing battery supply chain, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
“But this growth is not guaranteed. The development of this exciting and innovative sector depends on growing electric car sales. Europe needs ambitious policies that encourage carmakers to boost their electric car production, so that Europe can take its place in the global economy as a significant producer of the technologies that will deliver clean, cheap, modern transport.”
Imogen Bhogal, Chief Content Officer / Presenter at the Fully Charged Show, said:
“This new tool is an invaluable asset for media, politicians and industry alike. I interview people across the battery industry and value chain and see with my own eyes the huge job creation opportunities as we transition away from dirty and polluting fossil fuels. The energy transition is real and happening, and this map really brings it all to life.”
Chris Heron, Secretary General E-Mobility Europe, said:
“Hundreds and thousands of jobs are still to play for, across Europe’s battery value chain. But we need Europe to level up its political support for scaling-up local projects. We can guide policymakers to act with a clear quantification of where investments are happening across their territories. Today’s new battery map is a valuable tool here.”
Simon Smith, CCO, InstaVolt, said:
“The sector, from batteries to charging infrastructure, is a huge, huge, opportunity to deliver the jobs of the future across the continent. We must continue to drive down our addiction to fossil fuels and move to a cleaner, sustainable, future. This interactive map shines a spotlight on just how big the opportunity is.”
Ginny Buckley, the chief executive of Electrifying, the electric car buying and advice site, said:
“China, once known as the land of the bicycle, has reinvented itself as the global leader in electric vehicles – thanks in no small part to its robust battery supply chain.
“Europe, including the UK, stands at a similarly critical juncture, with the energy transition presenting significant opportunities. Embracing this shift can deliver substantial job creation and community transformation across the UK. This tracker will provide essential data to ensure we stay on course, reminding policymakers that timely investment and decisive action are vital, if the UK is to avoid falling behind in the global race to electrify.”
Image from Shutterstock
