Ministers have been urged to back an “ambitious” strategy to boost electric car manufacturing that could create tens of thousands of jobs.
A well-managed transition to UK factories making electric vehicles and the batteries that power them could create 33,000 new jobs within a decade - including 10,000 in the West Midlands, according to new research by the Common Wealth think tank.
The group said this was a “crucial” opportunity to secure well-paid, unionised jobs, help decarbonise transport and promote sustainable travel.
But government failure to plan and invest in the transition could mean 90,000 job losses by 2030.
The group has created an interactive map showing the number of jobs that could be gained - or lost - based on how the government manages change in UK car manufacturing, which employs more than 150,000 workers across the country.
Search for the jobs that could be created in your area here
Adam Almeida, Senior Data Analyst at Common Wealth, said: “An ambitious industrial strategy is desperately needed to ensure the UK’s place in the future of automotive manufacturing and to meet the demands necessary for a just transition to a green economy.
“The mapping tool we've created shows the innovation and enthusiasm embedded in this field.”
Common Wealth called for a “full industrial strategy” to coordinate a move to a “green, secure and affordable” future for the industry.
According to the group's current predictions, without intervention 57% of the jobs in the industry in 2020 could be lost.
But government investment to develop UK manufacturing of electric cars, buses, vans, taxis and scooters the country could secure existing jobs while creating an additional 33,000 jobs by 2030.
Mat Lawrence, Director of Common Wealth, said: "An EV-olution can bring immense benefits to the UK: securing the green future for historic industries, creating good union jobs up and down the country and improving transport across the board. But that won't happen without ambitious action.
"We need a robust and green industrial strategy to secure the benefits and ensure a fair transition for workers and communities.
"Now is the time: boldness will bring its own rewards."
