Tata Group’s global battery manufacturing arm, Agratas, is accelerating its ambitious plans as it transitions from heavy civil construction to the actual building of advanced lithium-ion battery cells destined for electric vehicles that customers in India, the UK, and beyond will soon drive.
At its two flagship gigafactories — Somerset in the UK and Sanand in Gujarat, India — the company has achieved major structural milestones. Civil works are now largely complete, and the focus has firmly shifted to fit-out, equipment installation, and industrialisation, setting the stage for commercial battery production in 2027.
Both projects have made significant progress in recent months:
- Somerset Gigafactory (Bridgwater, UK):
This £4 billion project, set to become the UK’s largest EV battery plant with a planned capacity of 40 GWh, has moved well beyond the steel frame stage. The structure for Building One was topped out in March 2026, and the site is now advancing rapidly into cladding, roofing, and building envelope work. A new ring road around the facility has also received planning approval.
Pilot production is targeted for late 2026, with full commercial operations expected in early to late 2027. The UK government recently awarded a substantial £380 million grant (part of a larger £470 million package) to support the project and strengthen Britain’s domestic EV supply chain. reuters.com - Sanand Gigafactory (Gujarat, India):
Agratas has successfully completed the massive steel frame structure for its first-phase 20 GWh facility. Spanning approximately 700 metres in length and 150 metres in width, this milestone marks the end of major civil engineering and the beginning of systems installation, cleanroom setup, and production line integration.
Trial production is scheduled for early 2027, followed by commercial ramp-up later that year. The plant is expected to play a crucial role in localising battery production for Tata Motors’ growing EV portfolio.
Agratas was created specifically to secure a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable supply of battery cells for Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), while also positioning the Tata Group as a major global player in advanced battery technology.
- In India, the Sanand plant will significantly reduce dependence on imported battery cells, lower costs, and accelerate the adoption of affordable electric vehicles such as the Nexon EV, Curvv EV, and upcoming models.
- In the UK, the Somerset facility will supply next-generation batteries for JLR’s luxury and performance EVs, supporting the country’s transition to zero-emission mobility and creating thousands of skilled jobs.
Both projects emphasise sustainability, with a focus on responsible sourcing, efficient manufacturing processes, and circular economy principles.
Agratas is now entering a critical 18-month industrialisation window. The coming months will see the installation of high-tech electrode coating lines, cell assembly systems, formation and testing equipment, and stringent quality control infrastructure.
Once operational, these gigafactories will deliver advanced battery cells with high energy density, improved safety, and longer life — directly benefiting everyday EV buyers through better range, faster charging, and greater affordability.
This progress comes at a time when global demand for locally produced, high-performance batteries is surging, giving Tata Group a strong competitive edge in both developed and emerging EV markets.
The message from Agratas is clear: the era of large-scale, home-grown battery manufacturing for the electric cars of tomorrow has moved from planning to execution. Customers can look forward to more accessible, reliable, and Made-for-India (and UK) electric vehicles in the near future.
For the latest updates on these landmark projects, follow Agratas’ official channels or Tata Group announcements. The foundation for India’s and the UK’s electric future is rapidly taking shape — one battery cell at a time.
