Aston Martin today announces an agreement Britishvolt to develop bespoke high-performance battery cell technology for its electric vehicles (EVs) of the future. With this news, the luxury high-performance British car brand moves another step forward in its journey to electrification.
This news follows on from the collaboration of Britishvolt with luxury British carmaker Lotus that was announced at the end of January. This means both British carmakers will be partnering with Britishvolt which ultimately helps secure the future of luxury car production in the UK.
The collaboration between Aston Martin and Britishvolt, formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding, further supports the ultra-luxury manufacturer’s plans to launch its first battery electric vehicle in 2025.
Aston Martin is targeting new standards of repeatable on-track performance, charging time and range, as it brings its renown for engineering mastery, beautiful design and extreme personalisation to all-electric driving.
The collaboration with Britishvolt, the UK’s foremost investor in lithium-ion battery cell technologies, brings together two innovative leaders in UK engineering to create the next generation of cell and battery technology designed specifically for high-performance cars.
A joint research and development team from Aston Martin and Britishvolt will design, develop, and industrialise battery packs, including bespoke modules and a battery management system.
The two organisations will work together to maximise the capability of special cylindrical high-performance cells being developed by Britishvolt for use in high performance Aston Martin electric vehicles.
Aston Martin is continuing its electrification roadmap with its first plug-in hybrid, the mid-engine supercar Valhalla, which will be delivered in early 2024. By 2026, all new Aston Martin product lines will have an electrified powertrain option, with a target for its core portfolio to be fully electrified by 2030.
The collaboration with Britishvolt is complementary to Aston Martin’s strategic technology agreement with Mercedes-Benz AG. Any investment will be funded by existing capital expenditure commitments to developing electric vehicles.
Tobias Moers, Aston Martin Lagonda CEO, said: “Working together with Britishvolt, I believe we can create new technologies to power benchmark-setting Aston Martin electric cars that will match our reputation for high performance and ultra-luxury with the highest standards of sustainability.
“Supplementing the close strategic relationship with our shareholder Mercedes-Benz AG, this partnership provides Aston Martin with additional access to technology and skills to broaden our electrification options. We are proud to be partnering with a UK-based, low-carbon battery manufacturer as part of our ambition to be a leading sustainable ultra-luxury business.
Orral Nadjari, Britishvolt CEO, said: “For a prestigious marque such as Aston Martin, staying true to its world-renowned brand of ultra-luxury, high-performance vehicles, whilst transitioning to electrification, means insisting on customised, sustainable battery cell technology that pushes the boundaries of performance.
“This collaboration once again highlights the value of working hand-in-glove with customers to co-develop and manufacture tailored, sustainable, localised battery cells, allowing vehicle makers to deliver superior products. Technologies that reset the benchmarks.
“We are excited about the prospect of an all-electric Aston Martin powered by Britishvolt’s low carbon, sustainable battery cells. Collaboration like this is the only way forward for a successful energy transition.”
