Britishvolt collapse: MPs launch inquiry into UK electric vehicle industry

Firm fails to raise enough cash for research and the development of its Northumberland site

An artist’s impression of the planned factory in Blyth (PA Media)

MPs have launched an inquiry after electric battery maker Britishvolt – hailed as a pioneering firm by Boris Johnson – collapsed into administration on Tuesday with the loss of 300 jobs.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said it will investigate the supply of batteries for electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK and the viability of British production.

The company – which had planned to build a £3.8bn gigafactory in Northumberland creating 3,000 jobs – hired administrators at EY after failing to raise enough cash for its research and the development of its site at Cambois, near Blyth.