Coventry could become Britain’s leading city in electrified transport

Coventry, a city that has been central to the history of the British car industry for over a century, is now looking towards a sustainable, electrified future. Coventry’s MotorFest event, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, not only showcases the city’s rich automotive heritage, but also looks at new employment opportunities in the automotive industry and alternative forms of transport. With 100,000 people attending the event and £10 million being generated for local businesses, MotoFest’s impact goes beyond just a boost to the economy.

While some of Coventry’s famous brands, such as the Standard Motor Company, have disappeared, the city still manufactures London’s iconic black cab, now in its electric version. Coventry-based Jaguar Land Rover has undergone a turnaround since being acquired by Tata in 2008 and is now focusing on an electrified future. Coventry is set to benefit greatly from this renaissance, with JLR’s Whitley headquarters employing 6-7,000 people in power train research and development, providing well-paying and secure jobs for the city’s economy.

Coventry is also home to the UK Battery Industrialization Center (UKBIC), a national battery manufacturing expansion facility that further supports the city’s position in the automotive industry. MotoFest not only celebrates Coventry’s past and present capabilities, but also showcases alternative forms of transport such as a coach bus. MotoFest’s motorsports program, including sprint races and drifting demonstrations, draws large crowds and sparks interest in the automotive industry. Talks of bringing World Rallycross to Coventry could raise the event and the city’s profile even further.

Given Coventry’s proximity to major UK cities, a World Rallycross race in Coventry could attract a huge local audience and increase the city’s visibility. In addition, Coventry is taking a leading role in providing decarbonisation infrastructure, with over 2,000 on-street charging points and plans for all buses to be electric by 2025. A strategic partnership with energy company E.ON aims to is helping Coventry decarbonise by investing in projects such as insulation, electric vehicle chargers, green energy supply and solar PV farms.

E.ON’s sponsorship of MotoFest and the Veloce Extreme E team highlights their commitment to promoting the electrification of transport in Coventry. The relationship with Extreme E has been beneficial for showcasing electric racing and promoting diversity, inclusion and innovation. Electrification of transport is seen as a key to decarbonisation, with opportunities such as the use of vehicle batteries to load-balance vehicle-to-grid supply. MotoFest plays a crucial role in promoting the benefits of the future alongside the celebration of the automotive past, encouraging more car buyers to choose sustainable options and make the right decisions to combat climate change.