Tesla to build another Gigafactory in England
Elon Musk knows that clean-energy Tesla will fit right in with the UK's goals |
Elon Musk is rumored to have visited Britain this week amid a government search for a site to build a huge electric car factory.
The Tesla co-founder's private jet reportedly landed at London Luton Airport earlier this week, allowing the tech billionaire time to visit the 650-acre Gravity Smart Campus in Bridgwater, Somerset
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is on the hunt for a location for a vehicle research, development and manufacturing "gigafactory", it is understood.
Officials are looking to secure around four million sq ft of industrial space for a mammoth plant, according to Property Week.
The trade publication also revealed that clean energy and car company Tesla is linked to the search – of which Mr Musk, 48, is the co-founder and CEO.
The entire campus will be fueled by the most cutting edge in clean energy solutions |
One of the possible sites is rumored to be the 650-acre Gravity smart campus in Bridgwater, Somerset.
It is thought that Mr Musk's private jet landed at London Luton Airport just after midday on Wednesday June 3.
It then reportedly took off on Thursday June 4 morning from the same airport – after spending just 19 hours on the ground.
Scientists have estimated that Britain will need one gigafactory by 2022, two by 2025 and eight by 2040 to meet demand for electric vehicles and batteries.
Gravity Campus
The massive site – called Gravity – is currently under construction just off junction 23 of the M5, and is expected to be one of the premier high tech business parks in the nation.
Gravity will attract world-leaders in advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, a spokesman for the huge scheme has said.
The gigantic "smart campus" – called Gravity – is currently under construction just off junction 23 of the M5 |
The owner of the site, This is Gravity Ltd, has revealed January 22nd that it has appointed prestigious real estate company JLL to ensure the entire campus is fueled by the most cutting edge in clean energy solutions.
Tom Curtis, Co-CEO, Gravity, said: "From start-up tech leaders of tomorrow to established multinationals and experts in advanced manufacturing, we believe that this site will deliver research and development as a result of knowledge sharing and harnessing the region’s talent from its leading universities and colleges.
"Underpinning this philosophy is a clear commitment to help drive the UK’s Clean Growth agenda.
“At Gravity, we are committed to creating a connected and sustainable mixed-use smart campus which will attract some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies."