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Volklec Launches To Manufacture Electric Vehicle Batteries In The UK
Coventry, UK, 15 May 2024 – Volklec, a new UK-based manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has been launched today. Backed by the Frontive Group, Volklec aims to produce sustainable batteries for various vehicle types, including on-road, off-highway, and track vehicles. The company is headquartered in Coventry, the heart of the UK's automotive industry.
Volklec's collaboration with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) is a significant step in advancing the UK's EV battery sector. UKBIC is a national manufacturing development scale-up facility that provides essential skills for the growing industry. This partnership will enable Volklec to develop batteries tailored to the diverse needs of the UK automotive market, particularly small volume and niche vehicle manufacturers.
Imran Khatri, Founder of Volklec, stated, "Volklec has been many months and significant investment in the making, established to help the UK’s decarbonisation drive. As a proud investment in the UK, our initial focus is on the automotive industry, providing security of supply to the sector. We then intend to look at broader electrification markets as well."
Sean Gilgunn, Managing Director of UKBIC, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "We’re delighted to welcome Volklec to UKBIC and to become their launch base here in the heart of the UK automotive industry. Our purpose-built facility is where businesses can develop their battery manufacturing processes at the scale they need to move to industrial production."
The collaboration between Volklec and UKBIC is expected to create jobs in the West Midlands and contribute significantly to building world-class battery research and development (R&D), process, and manufacturing capabilities in the UK. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by ensuring a robust supply chain for EV batteries.
Frontive Group, an investor and incubator focused on sustainable change, backs Volklec. Founded in 2016, Frontive Group has expanded its operations globally with various subsidiaries such as Frontive Services (2020) and Frontive Japan (2021). The group aims to drive social change through investments that build a sustainable future with a focus on environmental and social impact.
UKBIC was established with an initial investment of £130 million, supplemented by an additional £74 million from UK Research and Innovation. This funding supports various enhancements at the facility, including a new Flexible Pilot Line and a Battery Development Laboratory. Opened in July 2021, UKBIC offers access to organisations with existing or new battery technology.
The centre is part of the £610 million Faraday Battery Challenge, which aims to deliver a comprehensive research and innovation programme covering "Lab to Factory" development. The initiative includes cutting-edge research, national scale-up infrastructure, and skills training. The construction of UKBIC was part-funded through the West Midlands Combined Authority and delivered by a consortium including Coventry City Council and WMG at the University of Warwick.
Future Prospects
The partnership between Volklec and UKBIC marks a significant milestone in advancing battery technology in the UK. By focusing on sustainable battery production for various vehicle types, Volklec aims to support the UK's transition towards cleaner energy solutions. The collaboration will also play a crucial role in securing a stable supply chain for EV batteries, thereby contributing to the nation's decarbonisation efforts.
As Volklec embarks on this journey with substantial backing from Frontive Group and support from UKBIC, it sets a promising precedent for future developments in the EV battery sector. The initiative not only aims to meet current market demands but also positions itself for potential expansion into broader electrification markets.
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