Close to the M5 near Bridgwater in Somerset, groundwork near the village of Puriton has begun for the UK’s electric car industry. The preparations for Tata Group’s £4 billion gigafactory have started, with expectations of it becoming one of the largest in Europe once production of EV batteries begins in 2026.

The factory is located on a 620-acre site called Gravity, which is a smart technology campus built on the grounds of a former Royal Ordnance factory. The site had a significant role during the Second World War, producing RDX explosives and contributing surplus electricity to local power stations. The scale and infrastructure of Gravity draw parallels to the old ordnance plant and are anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy.

The MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger, has expressed optimism about the impact of Gravity, stating that the gigafactory alone will create up to 4000 jobs and generate additional employment opportunities within the supply chain. He believes that the area’s future is promising, especially with other major projects like Hinkley Point C power station construction and the opening of new facilities by companies like Morrisons and logistics firms.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the new battery plant on the local landscape. Some fear that it may attract skilled workers from outside the region, leading to labor shortages for local employers and driving up rents and property prices. On the other hand, there is hope that the project will create broader opportunities and elevate regional skill and pay levels. To gain insights into the community’s perspective, Autocar conducted interviews with locals and businesses in the area.