British battery manufacturer, Britishvolt, inks deal to advance high-nickel electric vehicle (EV) batteries development.
The electric vehicle (EV) industry is taking a significant step forward with the collaboration between Britishvolt, a startup specializing in EV battery development, and the UK government-backed research facility, UKBIC. This partnership aims to develop, assemble, and commercialize Britishvolt's next generation of sample battery cells for mass production.
The focus of this development is on batteries with high nickel content and more energy-dense materials. Nickel plays a key role in bolstering energy storage in an EV's battery cathode, extending the vehicle's range. Given the increasing demand for nickel due to the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles, this development is timely and strategic.
The 30 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery plant in Blyth, operated by Britishvolt, is expected to start production in 2023. When the plant reaches peak production in 2027, it should be capable of producing battery packs for over 300,000 vehicles annually.
The UKBIC, a government-funded facility aimed at helping the British car industry bring new battery technologies to market, has signed a two-year agreement with Britishvolt that involves a multi-million-pound investment. This investment will undoubtedly propel the development of advanced EV batteries in the UK.
The battery plant in Blyth will be built in three phases. The first phase, which is currently underway, includes the construction of the plant's main facilities. The second phase, scheduled for 2024, will focus on the production of pre-production battery cells. The final phase, set for 2027, will see the plant reaching its full potential, producing batteries for the mass market.
Orral Nadjari, the leader of Britishvolt, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to be partnering with UKBIC to help accelerate the development of our next-generation battery cells. This partnership will enable us to fast-track our research and development programmes, bringing cutting-edge battery technology to market more quickly."
The auto industry is investing heavily in research to boost EV range through more energy-dense batteries. This collaboration between Britishvolt and UKBIC is a testament to this investment and a significant stride towards a more sustainable, electric future.
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