British consortium formed to develop solid state EV batteries

By Nick Carey

LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - A group of seven British
organisations including battery materials firm Johnson Matthey
, start-up Britishvolt and Oxford University said on
Thursday they had formed a consortium to develop solid-state
batteries for electric vehicles.

The consortium will build a facility to develop prototypes
and technologies for the mass production of solid-state
batteries. It also includes the government-funded Faraday
Institution, which aims 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.

Carmakers are racing to develop EVs amid tightening CO2
emission standards in Europe and China and currently use
lithium-ion batteries which consist of a liquid or gel-form
electrolyte.

A number of manufacturers, including 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 build a battery factory in northern
England that should go into operation in 2023. The plant will be
built in three phases and in the last of these - due for
completion by 2027 - the company aims to produce solid-state
batteries.

Earlier this week Britishvolt and Glencore signed a
long-term deal for the supply of cobalt.

The mining giant also bought an undisclosed stake in the
Britishvolt.

(Reporting By Nick Carey; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Glencore

Johnson Matthey