European Battery Supply Chain Expected to Generate Up to 250,000 Jobs in Five Years

European Battery Supply Chain Could Create 250,000 Jobs
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Europe’s rapidly growing battery supply chain is projected to generate between 140,000 and 250,000 jobs over the next five years, according to a recent tracker released by New Automotive. Currently, approximately 62,274 people are employed in this sector across the continent. If the EU continues to pursue its current targets for electric vehicles (EVs), total employment in this field could exceed 300,000 by 2030.

The European Battery Supply Chain Tracker has documented 30,600 jobs specifically in the gigafactory segment of the supply chain, along with 62,000 jobs in the broader supply chain across 179 projects where data is available. By doubling these figures to account for related supply chain activities, the tracker highlights the significant employment impact of the sector.

Developed by New Automotive, this app provides a detailed overview of the various projects supporting Europe’s transition to electric mobility. It catalogs initiatives across mining, refining, electrode production, gigafactories, and recycling, serving as a valuable tool for stakeholders to monitor the industry’s progress.

Analysis from New Automotive, supported by modeling from Menon Economics, suggests that total supply chain employment could reach between 202,800 and 312,000 jobs. However, this growth is contingent upon the continued transition to EVs, as many of these projects are directly linked to the distribution of EV batteries. Ongoing discussions regarding the potential modification of the 2035 “de facto ban” on new petrol and diesel cars may cast doubt on these projections.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New Automotive, stated, “Jobs in gigafactories and electric car manufacturing are not just a vague promise of the future; they are a reality today. We found that behind the headlines, Europe has a thriving and rapidly growing battery supply chain, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. However, this growth is not guaranteed. The development of this exciting and innovative sector depends on increasing electric car sales. Europe needs ambitious policies that encourage car manufacturers to enhance their electric vehicle production, allowing the region to establish itself as a significant producer of technologies that provide clean, affordable, modern transport.”

Imogen Bhogal, Chief Content Officer / Presenter at the Fully Charged Show, remarked, “This new tool is an invaluable asset for media, politicians, and the industry alike. After interviewing various stakeholders across the battery industry, I can see firsthand the substantial job creation opportunities as we shift away from fossil fuels. The energy transition is not only real but is happening, and this map vividly illustrates that.”

Chris Heron, Secretary General of E-Mobility Europe, emphasized, “There are still hundreds of thousands of jobs to be claimed across Europe’s battery value chain. However, we need Europe to enhance its political support for scaling local projects. We can guide policymakers to act with a clear quantification of where investments are occurring across their territories. Today’s new battery map is a valuable tool in this regard.”

Simon Smith, CCO at InstaVolt, added, “The sector, which encompasses batteries and charging infrastructure, presents a tremendous opportunity for creating future jobs across the continent. We must continue to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards a cleaner, sustainable future. This interactive map highlights the vast potential of this opportunity.”

Ginny Buckley, the CEO of Electrifying, an electric car buying and advice platform, noted, “China, once known as the land of bicycles, has transformed into the global leader in electric vehicles, largely due to its robust battery supply chain. Europe, including the UK, is at a critical juncture, with the energy transition offering significant opportunities. Embracing this shift can lead to substantial job creation and community transformation throughout the UK. This tracker will provide essential data to ensure we remain on course, reminding policymakers that timely investment and decisive action are crucial to avoid falling behind in the global race to electrify.”