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The urgency of addressing climate change is increasingly influencing consumer behaviour and government policies worldwide. In the United Kingdom, a pivotal evolution is underway within the automotive industry as it adapts to the pressing need for sustainable transportation. Green transport options, notably hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles (EVs), are at the forefront of this transformation, steering the UK away from its reliance on petrol and diesel engines.
The shift to electric
Electric vehicles are increasingly becoming a common sight on British roads, with electric vehicle charging points being installed up and down the UK in petrol stations and retail parks. This is in no small part due to a combination of factors: innovations in battery technology and incentives to encourage consumers to make the switch from traditional combustion engines. The UK automotive industry is responding proactively to this demand, with car manufacturers investing heavily in the development and production of electric vehicles, including an acute focus on delivering longer battery life and safety innovations. This journey towards electrification isn’t limited to passenger cars; bus fleets, local delivery vans, and even some heavy-goods vehicles are transitioning towards electric powertrains.
Love them or loathe them, in August Amazon announced that they were investing £300 million in electrifying their UK transport fleet, including electric cargo bikes, electric HGVs and electric delivery vehicles. Targeting major cities such as London, Manchester and Glasgow to make their deliveries more sustainable.
Developments like these are crucial, especially in light of the UK government's ambitious target to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This policy directive has acted as a catalyst for the industry, accelerating research and collaborations between car manufacturers and technology companies. The aim is to improve EV performance, extend their range, reduce charging times, and most importantly, make them more affordable.
The emergence of hydrogen power
Hydrogen vehicles, although less prevalent than EVs, offer another promising path to decarbonising transport. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly suited for larger vehicles and long-distance travel due to its quick refuelling times and substantial range. The UK is moving forward with the development of hydrogen technology, with pilot projects and a growing emphasis on building the necessary refuelling infrastructure. Hydrogen vehicles emit only water vapour, thus providing an environmentally friendly transportation option compared to traditional petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles.
Within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, 20 hydrogen buses have been introduced into the fleet that operates across the region, as well as 58 fully electric double deckers. It’s part of a wider project to make public transport more accessible and reliable, aiming to increase uptake in using greener transport options over making journeys by car.
Meeting the transport and logistics challenge
Transport and logistics companies are also faced with the significant task of shifting towards green transportation solutions. These businesses are acutely aware that their vast fleets have extensive environmental impact and new solutions will be needed to meet net zero targets. As a result, some are leading the way in adopting EVs and experimenting with hydrogen-powered vehicles for their fleets to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. There is also a focus on multimodal transport solutions, that remove trips by road in favour of alternative modes of transport such as rail.
Many logistics companies have set ambitious goals to become carbon neutral. Innovations include the use of telematics to optimise delivery routes, thus reducing mileage and emissions, and trialling the use of green energy powered heavy goods vehicles. Investment in these areas, alongside collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, is essential to develop the cost-effective and efficient green transportation solutions necessary for widespread adoption.
Meeting the production demands for electric vehicles
To realise net zero targets set by the UK government to move away from the production of petrol and diesel vehicles, a collaborative approach across the automotive supply chain will be needed.
One business who is already preparing to meet the increased demand for electric vehicles is AESC UK. Work is currently underway to build the UK’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturing gigafactory in Sunderland, which NRL’s regional recruitment team are extremely proud to be supporting. For decades AESC have built an unrivalled reputation for delivering industry-leading battery technology innovation, with operations across 59 countries and a strong regional presence in the North East of England since 2012.
To date the existing Sunderland production plant has manufactured over 50 million battery cells, the equivalent of 250,000 electric vehicles. With demand planned to increase significantly, two new gigafactories are planned on land adjacent to the existing plant, the first of which is well underway with construction. Once operational the new 15.8GWh gigafactory will create hundreds of long-term job opportunities, as local residents within the region benefit from the net zero energy transition.
Upcoming opportunities to join AESC
Below you can find out more about the job opportunities that will be available when the new gigafactory opens, and we welcome applications from anyone interested in applying.
Maintenance Technicians
£50,828 per annum rising to £62,190 including shift allowance
Permanent positions, working across day and night shifts
ONC / BTEC OR NVQ Level 3 in electrical or mechanical engineering preferable
Overtime available
Work with the latest cutting-edge equipment and drive improvements in advanced manufacturing processes
Ensure the highest quality and performance levels of world-leading, innovative battery technology
Join a supportive employer where your skills and ideas are welcomed to strengthen an existing, highly skilled team
Production Operators
£24,896 per annum rising to £27,259 (after 1 year) plus 12-30% shift allowance and paid overtime
Permanent positions, working across day, late and night shifts
Working calendar shared a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
Full training provided to perform the role, with great opportunities to develop skills
Incredible growth and development opportunities with an employer committed to promoting from within
Excellent rates of pay in a good work environment with great work-life flexibility
Join one of the fastest growing manufacturing businesses, with opportunities open to anyone with the right attitude
You can find out more about joining AESC’s workforce and apply for a role by clicking below:
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