The United Kingdom electric vehicle (EV) adhesive market size was valued at USD 51.79 million in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 94.79 million in 2025 to USD 626.63 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 32.5% during the forecast period (2025–2033). Factors such as increasing EV adoption, advancements in adhesive technologies, and a shift toward lightweight vehicle designs are driving this growth. Furthermore, the integration of adhesives in EV manufacturing, particularly for battery systems, chassis, and interiors, ensures enhanced performance, safety, and durability, aligning with the sustainability goals of the UK government and global environmental initiatives.
A primary driver of the UK electric vehicle adhesive market is the rapid adoption of EVs, supported by robust governmental initiatives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of the "Road to Zero" strategy, the UK government has allocated £1.6 billion toward EV infrastructure and grants to encourage EV adoption. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), EV registrations in the UK increased by 40% in 2024, accounting for over 25% of new vehicle sales.
Additionally, adhesives play a critical role in EV design, reducing weight compared to traditional mechanical fasteners. This aligns with the need to improve energy efficiency and battery range. Furthermore, growing consumer demand for quieter, more efficient vehicles has driven innovation in noise-dampening and heat-resistant adhesive technologies, making them indispensable in modern EV manufacturing.
The high cost of raw materials, such as polyurethane and epoxy resins, poses a significant restraint for the UK EV adhesive market. Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, have further intensified price volatility. For instance, the British Coatings Federation reported a 20% rise in raw material costs for adhesives in 2024 due to limited imports and increased transportation expenses.
In addition, the industry faces challenges in sourcing sustainable materials. Adhesive manufacturers are under pressure to innovate environmentally friendly formulations without compromising performance. Smaller players in the UK market often struggle to adapt to these requirements, limiting their competitiveness. Such challenges hinder the scalability and cost-effectiveness of adhesive solutions, potentially slowing market growth in the short term.
The development of advanced adhesive technologies presents significant growth opportunities for the UK market. Innovations such as bio-based adhesives and thermally conductive materials are gaining traction, addressing sustainability and efficiency concerns. For instance, Henkel’s Loctite EA 9450 adhesive, launched in 2025, features enhanced thermal conductivity and durability, making it ideal for EV battery assembly.
Furthermore, digital transformation in manufacturing processes further enhances adhesive applications. Automated dispensing systems and AI-driven quality control ensure precision and reduce waste. According to a 2024 report by Innovate UK, adopting innovative manufacturing technologies can lower production costs by 15% and improve adhesive performance by 20%. These advancements position adhesive manufacturers to cater to the evolving needs of EV makers, fostering market expansion.
Study Period | 2021-2033 | CAGR | 32.5% |
Historical Period | 2021-2023 | Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 | Base Year Market Size | USD 51.79 million |
Forecast Year | 2033 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 626.63 million |
The market is characterized by a strong presence of automotive and adhesive manufacturing hubs across several key cities in the United Kingdom.
London is home to several EV startups and R&D centers as a significant financial and innovation hub. Companies like Arrival have established their headquarters here, focusing on sustainable manufacturing practices. Government-backed initiatives like the London EV Infrastructure Delivery Plan support adhesive demand for EV assembly and infrastructure projects.
Birmingham, the heart of the UK’s automotive industry, hosts numerous OEMs and suppliers. The City's Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) collaborates with adhesive manufacturers to develop lightweight solutions for EV production. Birmingham’s strategic location also facilitates efficient supply chain operations.
Coventry is at the forefront of battery innovation with the city's UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). Adhesive manufacturers benefit from collaborations with UKBIC to develop cutting-edge battery assembly and thermal management solutions.
Oxford, home to the Mini Electric production facility, plays a pivotal role in the UK’s EV landscape. The city’s focus on integrating adhesives for lightweighting and durability has positioned it as a key contributor to market growth.
Sunderland houses Nissan’s manufacturing plant, one of Europe’s most extensive EV production facilities, which drives significant demand for adhesives. The plant’s focus on sustainable manufacturing and advanced bonding technologies supports regional market expansion.
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Battery Application dominates the application segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.1% over the forecast period due to its critical role in EV performance. Adhesives are extensively used in battery assembly for thermal management, cell bonding, and sealing to enhance safety and efficiency. The UK’s focus on advancing battery technologies, such as the Faraday Battery Challenge, drives demand for specialized adhesive solutions that ensure durability under high thermal and mechanical stress conditions.
Polyurethane leads the resin-type segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 34.0% during the forecast period. Polyurethane adhesives lead the resin segment due to their exceptional bonding strength and flexibility. These adhesives are widely used in EV interiors and exteriors for lightweighting and vibration reduction. Leading players like Sika have introduced high-performance polyurethane adhesives tailored to meet the stringent quality standards of the UK’s EV market.
Liquid adhesives dominate the foam type segment and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 32.3% over the forecast period. Liquid adhesives dominate the form segment due to their ease of application and adaptability to complex geometries. Their superior wetting properties make them suitable for bonding a wide range of substrates in EV manufacturing. Liquid adhesives also offer fast curing times, which are critical for high-throughput production lines, thereby driving their adoption in the UK.
Electric Cars lead the vehicle type segment and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 32.3% during the forecast period. Electric cars represent the largest share of the vehicle segment due to increasing consumer preference and government incentives for private EV ownership. Adhesives are vital in reducing vehicle weight and improving aerodynamics, contributing to extended driving ranges. This aligns with the UK government’s goal of achieving 100% electric car sales by 2035.
OEMs dominate the sales channel segment and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 32.3% over the forecast period. OEMs dominate the sales channel segment by directly integrating adhesive solutions into the manufacturing process. Partnerships between adhesive manufacturers and OEMs, such as the collaboration between Dow and Jaguar Land Rover, have resulted in the development of innovative solutions tailored to the specific requirements of EV production, ensuring quality and performance.
As per our analyst, the United Kingdom electric vehicle adhesive market is poised for rapid expansion in the coming years. This growth is primarily driven by increasing EV adoption, government incentives, and advancements in adhesive technologies. The UK’s stringent environmental regulations and commitment to net-zero emissions are compelling manufacturers to adopt lightweight and sustainable solutions, such as advanced adhesives, in EV production. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies, such as AI and IoT, in manufacturing processes enhances adhesive performance and reduces costs.
Additionally, collaboration between adhesive manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and research institutions is expected to drive innovation, ensuring that the UK remains a leader in the global EV market. Companies investing in R&D to develop bio-based and thermally conductive adhesives will likely gain a competitive edge. Overall, the UK electric vehicle adhesive market will experience a transformative decade characterized by technological advancements and a shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices.