- Volklec becomes the UK’s only independent battery manufacturer, partnering with China’s Far East Battery (FEB) to produce lithium-ion cells at UKBIC.
- Production begins in 2025, with two types of 21700 cylindrical battery cells for e-mobility and specialist industries like automotive and aerospace.
- Long-term plans include a £1bn gigafactory by 2030, creating 1,000 skilled jobs and strengthening the UK’s battery supply chain.
UK battery manufacturing industry gets a major upgrade with new Volklec factory
Volklec has announced a major step in UK battery production. The Midlands-based company is now the country’s only independent battery manufacturer. With support from China’s Far East Battery (FEB), Volklec will begin producing lithium-ion cells at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) later this year.
This partnership marks a first-of-its-kind technology and knowledge transfer. FEB, a global battery leader since 2009, will help Volklec set up a high-quality, high-yield production line. The company will start by manufacturing two types of 21700 cylindrical battery cells. The energy cell, made with NMC chemistry, will support emobility and energy storage. The power cell is designed for specialist industries like automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway transport.
Volklec Executive Director, Phil Popham, commented:
“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. 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.”
Volklec will add a 1GWh production line by 2026. By 2030, it will open a 10GWh gigafactory, investing over £1 billion and creating 1,000 skilled jobs.
This comes amidst rapid developments in the UK’s battery industry, with new gigafactories and recycling facilities becoming commonplace. Volklec is joining the push to strengthen the UK’s battery supply chain. It aims to serve both large and niche manufacturers. As the country moves toward an electric future, Volklec’s fast-to-market approach could play a key role in the transition.
