British companies form a consortium for developing solid-state EV batteries
A group of seven British organizations comprising battery materials firm Johnson Matthey, start-up Britishvolt and Oxford University has announced that they had formed a consortium to develop solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.
The consortium will construct a facility to develop prototypes and technologies for the mass production of solid-state batteries. It also comprises the government-funded Faraday Institution, which intends to help UK businesses develop and manufacture EV batteries.
"Delivering enhanced range and safety...will be a key driver for battery electric vehicle adoption, supporting the transition to a net-zero future," Christian Gunther, head of battery materials at Johnson Matthey, said in a statement.
Car manufacturers are racing to develop EVs amid tightening CO2 emission standards in Europe and China and at present use lithium-ion batteries which comprise a liquid or gel-form electrolyte.
Several manufacturers, involving Ford Motor Co and BMW AG, are researching or investing in solid-state battery technology, which should be able to store more energy - meaning greater driving range - and prove safer due to a lack of flammable components.
Britishvolt plans to construct a battery factory in northern England that should go into operation in 2023. The plant will be built in three phases and the last of these - due for completion by 2027 - the company intends to produce solid-state batteries.
