Volklec Partners with Far East Battery in Strategic Agreement
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
In an exciting development for the UK’s green energy landscape, Midlands-based battery manufacturing company Volklec has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Asian battery supplier Far East Battery (FEB). This collaboration marks a significant step towards bolstering domestic battery production, essential for the ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy.
Under this technology and knowledge transfer agreement, Volklec will commence the manufacturing of advanced lithium-ion batteries right here in the UK. Production is set to kick off later this year from Volklec’s launch base at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC). This initiative is further supported by a dedicated delivery partnership team from FEB in China, ensuring that the manufacturing line achieves high yield and quality standards ahead of the production start in Coventry.
Volklec will initially focus on producing two specifications of advanced lithium-ion 21700 cylindrical battery cells. The first to hit the production line will be a proven energy cell, designed specifically to cater to the e-mobility and energy storage sectors. This compact cylindrical cell utilises nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry, which is recognised for its efficiency and performance.
Following the energy cell, Volklec plans to introduce an innovative power cell aimed primarily at the High Value Manufacturing sector. This cell will find its applications in various specialist fields, including automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway industries. This targeted approach not only addresses current market demands but also positions Volklec as a key player in the UK’s evolving battery ecosystem.
To facilitate this ambitious undertaking, Volklec will leverage the existing 100MWh production line at UKBIC for the energy cell. Furthermore, plans are already underway to install an additional 1GWh production line by the end of 2026, which will be dedicated to the manufacture of the power cell. This expansion is indicative of Volklec’s commitment to scaling operations to meet future demand.
Looking ahead, Volklec has laid out an impressive strategic roadmap that includes the establishment of a dedicated 10GWh gigafactory. This substantial investment of over £1 billion is expected to create more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs by the end of the decade, reinforcing the UK’s position in the global battery manufacturing arena.
The management team at Volklec is composed of highly experienced executives, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. Leading this talented group is Executive Director Phil Popham, who has a distinguished history of running global operations at Jaguar Land Rover and has also served as CEO of Lotus Cars and Sunseeker in the luxury marine sector. His leadership is pivotal in navigating Volklec through the complexities of the battery manufacturing landscape.
Supporting Phil is Chief Technical and Manufacturing Officer Ron Lee, who previously held the position of Global Director of Powertrain Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover. Additionally, Shakeel Meharban, as Chief Commercial Officer, brings invaluable experience from his time as Managing Director for the Automotive Business Unit at McLaren Applied. Nikki Rimmington, as Head of Strategy, enriches the team with her background as Strategy Development Director for InoBat Auto.
Phil Popham emphasised the urgent need for independent battery manufacturers in the UK, stating, “There is an urgent need for new independent manufacturers to secure the battery supply chain in the UK. There is no greater transformation today than the electric revolution in transport and mobility, and the British start-up scene is thriving, from motorsport to heavy-duty off-highway and most things in between.”
He further highlighted a critical issue: “But there is a substantial gap in the supply chain. The UK is particularly strong in the specialist and high-performance sectors which need surety of supply with quality and reliability. Our mission is to help these innovators thrive.”
This strategic move not only enhances the UK’s capability to produce advanced battery technologies but also aligns with the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions. With the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems rapidly increasing, having a robust domestic battery manufacturing industry is crucial for the UK’s energy transition.
In conclusion, Volklec’s partnership with FEB and its commitment to advancing lithium-ion battery production herald a new era for the UK’s battery industry. As we strive towards a sustainable future, initiatives like these are essential in building a resilient supply chain that supports innovation and meets the growing demands of the green economy. The journey towards net-zero is a collective effort, and with companies like Volklec leading the way, the future looks promising.
