Tesla plotting UK-based gigafactory
US car-maker working with British government to identify site for major new facilityTesla could expand its European footprint even further by opening a vast new manufacturing facility in the west of England.
According to reports, Tesla boss Elon Musk visited the UK last week to help identify an appropriate site and discuss plans with government officials.
Top of the list is 635-acre site near Bridgwater in Somerset that could provide the basis for a 91-acre manufacturing facility that will include a 'smart campus' incorporating a training facility and R&D hub.
The British government would not comment specifically on the news it was working with Tesla, but issued the following statement:
"The government is working with industry to help make the UK the location of choice to develop world-class electric vehicle technologies. DIT [Department for International Trade] is working closely with partners to scope out sites for new investment into electric vehicle research, development and manufacturing across the UK."
It's not been confirmed if the UK factory would include car production or if it will be limited to battery manufacturing, but the news Tesla is considering building a plant in Britain is surprising.
Last year Musk said Tesla had chosen to base its European factory near Berlin in Germany, instead of the UK, because of "Brexit uncertainty".
The German site, which is set to be finished in 2021, will build both the Model 3 and Model Y, plus the batteries that power them. That suggests the UK facility could build another vehicle, or act as a part supplier for the Berlin plant.
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