A COMPANY behind electric vehicle parts is creating jobs as it expands into the UK’s motorsport capital.

Sevcon has opened an office at Milton Park, near Oxford.

Bosses say the site puts Team Valley-based Sevcon right at the heart of stellar British motoring marques and developments.

The area is renowned for its links to high-octane speed, with Formula One teams such as Renault, Williams, Haas and Manor calling it home.

Sevcon says the move will create 20 engineering jobs at Oxford by the end of next year and a similar number at its Gateshead base.

The expansion comes just weeks after Sevcon, known for supplying controllers for the all-electric Renault Twizy quadricycle, sealed a £28m supercar deal to develop controls for electrifying drive systems in high-performance machines.

Bosses say the agreement with the car maker, referred to as a “household name”, will provide vehicles with greater power and reliability and improve emissions.

Hailing its Oxford move, Matt Boyle, Sevcon president and chief executive, said: “The North-East is well-known as a national centre for the automotive industry.

“By establishing a base in another of the UK’s leading automotive locations, we can help accelerate our growth and support the global transition to low-carbon vehicles.

“Being in the Oxford area will help us strengthen existing relationships and develop exciting new partnerships with some of the major players in the area’s supply chain.

“As we continue to grow globally, it is vital to tap into a market with a highly-skilled and adept workforce that will help support our global growth ambitions.”

Mr Boyle added Sevcon has already recruited four engineers at Milton Park, revealing Sally Asquith will head the Oxford site.

Ms Asquith previously worked for Oxfordshire-based GKN Hybrid Power.

She said: “This area has a comprehensive supply chain of world-class design, precision and high-performance automotive engineering companies, so it is an ideal location for Sevcon.

“By establishing a base here, Sevcon is making a real statement of intent.

“It has a clear vision for the future, which plans for the rapid development of the electric vehicle market.”

Sevcon’s supercar contract is due to last four years, whereupon its unnamed customer has forecast it could then spend up to £28m on parts. Mr Boyle told The Northern Echo: “The company is a household name and makes less than 10,000 vehicles a year.

“What we are doing is improving performance by providing an electrical boost when cars need it.

“That might be off the starting line, idling or when they need torque.

“For these companies, performance is key because that is what they sell their products on.

“Efficiency is something they can brag about and emissions is something they are required to do.”

Earlier this year, Sevcon, also known for making equipment for Brammo motorcycles, took on Italian battery charger producer, Bassi.

Officials said the move would increase the firm’s hold on the electric vehicle market, allow it to sell apparatus to more customers and enhance new controllers.