Brexit ‘cliff edge’ poses threat to UK electric car production, warns industry chief

UK and European manufacturers are reliant on batteries from Asia so tariffs appear likely under the rules. Photograph: John Walton/PA

The growth of electric car production in Britain is under threat from a Brexit “cliff edge” in January unless the EU agrees to delay new trade rules until 2027, industry leaders have warned.

Electric cars exported from the UK to the EU will have to meet tighter “rules of origin” in the new year, which mean batteries must be sourced from within the two trade partners or face 10% tariffs.