London EV Show: building EV supply chains

A strategic approach to domestic supply chains

Veitch emphasised the importance of creating a robust domestic EV supply chain, referencing the Cornish Lithium initiative as a case study. Cornish Lithium, established in 2016 by Jeremy Wrathall, is a UK-based company dedicated to exploring and developing mineral resources in Cornwall. The company focuses on the sustainable extraction of lithium and other battery metals, aiming to support the global shift to clean energy by creating a domestic supply of lithium – a vital material for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage.

Veitch noted that Cornish Lithium’s efforts to extract lithium from a disused mine in Cornwall could provide a significant portion of the material required for EV batteries in the UK. However, he acknowledged the broader challenges of integrating such resources into a localised supply chain.

“It’s remarkable that Cornwall could contribute enough lithium to support half the UK’s annual EV demand,” Veitch remarked. “But the real challenge is processing and integrating it locally to avoid the inefficiencies of shipping raw materials across the world.”

The role of policy and industrial strategy

According to Veitch, the government’s industrial strategy is key to advancing the EV supply chain. This strategy prioritises clean manufacturing and offers frameworks for long-term investment and development. Veitch urged businesses to engage with their local chambers of commerce and leverage government initiatives designed to support the sector.

“For businesses in the EV space, connecting with the government’s industrial strategy is essential,” he said. “It’s not just about current opportunities – it’s about shaping policy that could drive growth over the next decade.”

Veitch also touched on the potential implications of tariffs on Chinese EV imports, a topic of significant interest within the industry. While the UK government has not initiated an inquiry into such tariffs, Veitch noted that any move in this direction could create market distortions and impact domestic production.

Challenges in EV infrastructure

The discussion also addressed challenges related to EV infrastructure, particularly charging points. Veitch acknowledged the progress made, with a 30% growth in charging points over the past five years. However, he pointed out that the infrastructure’s uneven distribution – particularly outside London – remains a concern.

“Charging infrastructure is growing, but regional disparities need to be addressed. Businesses often flag this as a critical barrier when we engage with them,” Veitch said.

He also highlighted issues related to property ownership and the ‘split-incentive’ problem, where landlords and tenants struggle to align on investments in EV infrastructure. Veitch called for more targeted government incentives to address these barriers.

Engaging businesses in the EV transition

In closing, Veitch emphasised the role of businesses in driving the EV transition, supported by existing government incentives such as workplace charging grants and tax reliefs. However, he noted that more work is needed to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt EV solutions.

“The transition to EVs isn’t just about technology – it’s about making it accessible and viable for businesses of all sizes,” Veitch concluded. “We need to focus on creating an ecosystem where businesses feel confident in making this shift.”

Key takeaways

Alex Veitch’s presentation underscored the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and local chambers of commerce to build a resilient EV supply chain. For businesses, the message was clear: engage with policy frameworks, leverage available incentives, and actively contribute to shaping the future of the UK’s EV landscape.