Northvolt has announced its decision to shift development of its next-generation lithium-metal battery technology from California to its R&D campus 'Northvolt Labs' in Vasteras, Sweden. The company claims that the battery tech development will be led by world-class capabilities and engineering talent concentrated in the Swedish campus.
The transfer reflects a strategic move to consolidate the R&D and industrialization of Northvolt's cell product portfolio including lithium-ion, sodium-ion and lithium-metal into one location, where future development of the technologies benefits from a platform of expertise and capabilities, the company adds.
Northvolt has been developing lithium-metal battery technology through Cuberg, a fully-owned subsidiary operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, acquired by Northvolt in 2021.
Henceforth, the lithium-metal battery technology development will be supported by access to a "world-class team of material engineers, cell designers and manufacturing experts, working alongside cathode active material and cell manufacturing capabilities, as well as global supply chain development resources", the company's press statement said.
Also, the shift in R&D location brings lithium-metal into the fold of Northvolt's customer-facing business units and experience in launching new technologies into the company's production system.
Shauna McIntyre, CEO of Cuberg, commented, "Northvolt Labs is a world-class battery R&D campus, that provides not only a natural home for lithium-metal but an excellent platform from which to assure the further development of lithium-metal technology".
"The move strengthens Northvolt's long-term commitment to advanced battery development and better positions it to engage industry first-movers with a technology that holds great promise", she added.
"Bringing lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-metal technologies together under one roof at Northvolt Labs creates a unique environment for cross-innovation and accelerated development. By centralizing our efforts, we are better equipped to deliver the next generation of energy solutions to meet the growing demands of the global market", said Sami Haikala, Chief Development Officer, Northvolt.
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