Britishvolt, the electric vehicle (EV) battery technology company, have announced it intends to collaborate with H&T Battery Components Rechargeable. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the supply of battery can components for advanced technology battery cells for automotive applications.
All battery cans supplied to the Northumberland Gigaplant will be produced in the UK. This will result in the creation of a range of skilled jobs in the area.
With over 40 years experience, H&T is one of the largest battery component manufacturers globally and is a recognised world leader in precision cylindrical battery components for the lithium-ion battery can market.
The battery can producer is part of the Heitkamp & Thumann Group, a leading global company focused on the development and supply of precision-formed components in metal and plastic.
Timon Orlob, Britishvolt Global COO, said: “H&T is renowned not only for the very high quality of its battery can components, but also for its manufacturing flexibility that enables it to provide bespoke solutions for its customers.
“Britishvolt’s MoU with H&T gives us the ability to provide our end customers with the battery cans that meet their exact requirements, and also supports our goal of localising component production as much as possible.”
Sample supply of H&T battery can components is expected to come from its Centre of Excellence in Marsberg, Germany, with production-ready cans sourced from the company’s manufacturing site in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Tobias Ott, H&T Battery Components Rechargeable president, said: “H&T looks forward to engaging with Britishvolt to support the battery project in the UK. Britishvolt, a pioneer focusing on the development of sustainable, low-carbon battery cells, is a great partner for H&T who has over 40 years of experience in the mass production of cylindrical battery cans.
“We will support with UK-based mass production and additionally with research and development out of our new established Center of Excellence in Germany for cylindrical battery can development.”
Britishvolt’s MoU with H&T is one among a number recently signed by the company, including supplying batteries to Aston Martin and Lotus. The company also announced at the start of the year it plans to build a transformational UK battery Gigaplant to meet electric vehicle demand.
The company also announced it will buy German cell developer and manufacturer EAS for €36 million (£30.7 million/$38.4 million). This will help Britishvolt scale up production alongside its own battery Gigaplant battery facility that is currently being developed in Northumberland.
All of this supports Britishvolt’s vision to create an ecosystem for scientific, commercial and financial stakeholders to work more closely together to develop additional market integration and competitive synergies for battery cell development and production.
Britishvolt aims to meet the increasing global demand for the production of battery cells and will manufacture them in a sustainable, environmental and economical optimal way in the UK and at other sites around the globe.
