Transport minister Robert Goodwill has opened an electric and hybrid vehicle driveline test facility at Intertek’s Milton Keynes test laboratory.

The new facility at Intertek’s automotive engine testing laboratory hosts some of the UK’s highest capacity electric vehicle driveline testing equipment, including  high capacity battery simulators and the latest exhaust emissions measurement systems in order to support the European automotive industry’s continued push into driveline electrification.

Tony Braddon, MD of Intertek Milton Keynes, 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is changing and moving into a high- tech future where the use of internal combustion engines is being augmented and superseded by hybrid technology, batteries and electric motors.”

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 £600m investment until 2020 to ensure every new UK car and van is a zero emission vehicle by 2040,” Goodwill added.