Electric car and emissions tech centre opens in Milton Keynes

New state-of-the-art Intertek laboratory is UK’s highest capacity electric and hybrid vehicle testing centre

The UK’s highest-capacity electric and hybrid vehicle testing facility has opened in Milton Keynes with the aim of developing “cutting edge” plug-in car technology.

Transport minister Robert Goodwill cuts the ribbon at the new testing facility

The state-of-the-art Intertek laboratory was officially unveiled on Friday (January 14) by transport minister Robert Goodwill in support of the government’s pledge for every new car and van to be emission-free by 2040.

During his visit, Mr Goodwill MP was shown some of the new technology being tested, such as battery simulators designed to test the latest plug-in cars with improved ranges, and the emissions measurement equipment designed to help the industry meet tougher EU emission standards.

Minister of State for transport Robert Goodwill said: “This impressive facility shows how the industry, with our support, is creating highly-skilled jobs and opportunities not just in Milton Keynes but across the whole automotive sector.

“It makes perfect sense that global companies like Intertek would choose to expand their UK base when we are the largest market for ultra-low emission vehicles in Europe. We are backing industry with a £600 million investment until 2020 to ensure every new UK car and van is a zero emission vehicle by 2040.”

Managing director of Intertek Milton Keynes, Tony Braddon, said: “Intertek is privileged to work in partnership with the best of Britain’s automotive manufacturing industry to test and develop their vehicles’ powertrains to ensure they are the best they can be. Working together, Intertek has recognised that the future of the automotive industry is changing and moving into a high-tech future where the use of internal combustion engines is being augmented and superseded by hybrid technology, batteries and electric motors.”

According to Intertek, the expanded Milton Keynes site will employ 100 people in and around the local area and support “thousands” more highly-skilled jobs across the country involved in the low emission vehicles sector.

The new facility follows the Chancellor’s pledge as part of his Autumnn Spending Review that the government will spend an increased £600 million between 2015 and 2020 towards supporting the development, manufacture and uptake of low emission vehicles.