Volklec: Powering UK with Independent Battery Manufacturing

Volklec, a battery manufacturer based in the Midlands, UK, has announced a significant milestone in its journey towards industrialisation and scale-up.

The company has secured an exclusive technology and knowledge transfer agreement with Far East Battery (FEB), a leading Asian battery supplier.

The agreement enables Volklec to manufacture advanced lithium-ion batteries in the UK, reinforcing the country's role in high-value battery production.

A strategic partnership for innovation

Volklec's agreement with FEB represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration, bringing proven battery technology to the UK's evolving energy storage and electric mobility sectors.

With production set to begin later this year at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), the company aims to establish a high-quality manufacturing line supported by a team of FEB specialists from China.

Phil Popham, Executive Director of Volklec, states: "This partnership marks a critical step in securing the UK's battery supply chain.

"There is no greater transformation today than the electric revolution in transport and mobility and our mission is to support innovators in specialist and high-performance sectors with a reliable battery supply."

Delivering high-performance battery solutions

Volklec will manufacture two advanced lithium-ion 21700 cylindrical battery cell specifications:

• Energy cell: A compact NMC chemistry-based cylindrical cell designed for e-mobility and energy storage applications.
• Power cell: A high-performance cell tailored for specialist automotive, aerospace, marine and off-highway applications.

Initially, Volklec will utilise UKBIC's 100MWh production line for the energy cell. By 2026, the company plans to expand its capacity with an additional 1GWh production line to meet growing demand.

Looking ahead, Volklec's strategic roadmap includes a dedicated 10GWh gigafactory, representing an investment of more than US$1.2bn and creating more than 1,000 highly-skilled jobs by the decade's end.

Strengthening the UK's battery supply chain

With the UK's strong presence in specialist and high-performance automotive sectors, Volklec aims to bridge the gap between large OEMs with dedicated gigafactories and smaller niche manufacturers that require secure, high-quality battery supply.

The approach positions Volklec as a key player in the UK's transition to a sustainable electric future.

Ron Lee, Volklec's Chief Technical and Manufacturing Officer and former Global Director of Powertrain Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, highlights the initiative's significance: "Our technology and manufacturing capabilities will ensure that British companies have access to reliable, high-quality battery solutions that meet the demands of an electrified future."

A highly-experienced leadership team

Volklec is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the battery, automotive and electrification industries:

• Phil Popham, Executive Director: Formerly Global Operations Lead at Jaguar Land Rover and CEO of Lotus Cars and Sunseeker.
• Ron Lee, Chief Technical and Manufacturing Officer: Formerly Global Director of Powertrain Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover.
• Shakeel Meharban, Chief Commercial Officer: Former Managing Director for the Automotive Business Unit of McLaren Applied.
• Nikki Rimmington, Head of Strategy: Former Strategy Development Director for InoBat Auto.

Powering the UK's electric transformation

Volklec's establishment as the UK's only independent battery manufacturer demonstrates the country's commitment to decarbonisation and industrial innovation. It aims to position the UK as a leader in the global electric revolution by focusing on fast-to-market, low-risk design and delivery strategies.

"British start-ups across the mobility and energy sectors are thriving, yet the supply chain remains fragmented," adds Phil. "Our goal is to provide stability and quality in battery manufacturing, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of electrification."

Volklec's lithium-ion cells are available to order today, with UK-based production scheduled to commence later this year.

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