The Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, has presented a persuasive argument for the United Kingdom to assume a leading role in the manufacturing of electric supercars. He is of the opinion that through investment in the domestic supply chain, the UK has the capacity to emerge as a global force in the electrification of high-performance vehicles.
Leiters has underscored the critical need for strategic investment to meet the distinctive performance requirements of electric supercars. He has highlighted the UK’s illustrious history in high-performance automotive manufacturing and elite motorsport as a solid foundation for the nation to establish itself as a frontrunner in EV supercar production.
In order to realize this vision, Leiters has advocated for a comprehensive industrial strategy and heightened investment in future powertrain technologies. He is of the belief that such measures would not only foster growth and create job opportunities, but also contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, thus securing a vibrant future for the UK performance car industry.
One of the primary challenges brought to the forefront by Leiters is the current inadequacy of the UK supply chain to support the demands of electric supercar production. He has emphasized the importance of government support to mitigate the risks associated with the transition to electrification, particularly in light of the high costs involved for low-volume, specialized suppliers.
Despite the existing low demand for electric supercars due to their inability to match the performance of hybrid and combustion engine vehicles, Leiters perceives potential in investing in next-generation, high-power-dense battery cell manufacturing. He envisions positioning the UK at the forefront of future performance car powertrain technology.
Another crucial point raised by Leiters is the necessity for locally sourcing high-performance battery technology to meet EU ‘rules of origin’ requirements on exported vehicles. He has underscored the impact of this requirement on the UK content of McLaren supercars and stressed the importance of addressing this issue to maintain a robust UK presence in the global market.
Leiters has also made a compelling case for the broader benefits of attracting the right battery suppliers to the UK. He has noted that a thriving UK supply chain specializing in cutting-edge, high-energy-density cells would not only support supercar production, but also other advanced manufacturing needs such as vertical take-off aircraft and drones.
In conclusion, Leiters’ rallying cry for the UK to become a “center of excellence” for EV supercar technology presents a compelling vision for the future of the country’s automotive industry. By capitalizing on its illustrious history in high-performance automotive manufacturing and elite motorsport, and with the necessary strategic investment and government support, the UK has the potential to lead the world in the electrification of supercar production.