Photo: Volklec
UK-based battery manufacturing start-up Volklec has announced a licensing agreement with Asian battery supplier Far East Battery (FEB) to develop lithium-ion batteries.
The British start-up will use FEB’s technology to make batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles in the UK, with production expected to start later this year with support from a team from FEB in China.
The Chinese company will also reportedly be able to provide Volklec with access to a cheaper supply chain.
Volklec’s Executive Director, Phil Popham – a seasoned auto industry leader, having run Jaguar Land Rover operations globally and the ex-CEO of Lotus Cars – said:
“There is an urgent need for new independent manufacturers to secure the battery supply chain in the UK…But there is a substantial gap in the supply chain.”
European-made battery companies, such as Northvolt, have struggled recently to scale-up in the battery manufacturing industry, which is dominated by Chinese companies.
Volklec has also announced plans to build a new £1 billion gigafactory which will create more than 1,000 jobs by the end of the decade.
Volklec’s team includes high-experienced professionals, who have formerly worked at the likes of Powertrain, Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren and more.
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