UKBIC to ramp up battery production for AMTE Power

Under the agreement AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, can call on UKBIC to manufacture up to 60,000 of its Ultra High Power cells annually over an initial 24 month term. This will allow AMTE Power to deliver its first Ultra High Power cells at adequate scale to allow customers to progress through to in-vehicle trials.

In a statement, Jeff Pratt, managing director, UKBIC, said: “Advanced battery cells being manufactured at volume in the UK are a vital component of ensuring the UK prospers from the energy transition towards Net Zero. This latest agreement – our biggest to date – is further demonstration of the unique value of UKBIC which, since being opened just over a year ago, is already delivering incredibly successful outcomes for the UK with customers like AMTE.”

Manufacturing trials have shown cells performing well against the AMTE Power’s target specification when produced on UKBIC’s commercial scale equipment. AMTE Power noted that the cells’ low internal resistance supports exceptional power delivery and very fast charging, with current testing demonstrating a full charge in six minutes.

Increasing production of Ultra High Power cells at UKBIC is due to start from January 2023, generating initial revenues for the company and enabling the business to meet demand from the automotive sector, principally for high performance EVs and FCEVs. AMTE Power added it has existing non-binding memoranda of understanding in place with partners Cosworth, Viritech and MAHLE Powertrain, in addition to development agreements with Sprint Power, Eltrium and BMW.

The use of UKBIC to manufacture cells is a key milestone to upscale production ahead of mass commercialisation plans as AMTE Power progresses towards its first MegaFactory in Dundee, Scotland. This agreement will ensure products can be delivered to customers in advance of the opening of its planned MegaFactory, which is underpinned by the growing pipeline of potential business with opportunities of circa £240m across the AMTE Power product range.

Kevin Brundish, CEO, AMTE Power, said: “Having already secured significant early interest in our Ultra High Power cell from major automotive partners, this contract will enable us to bring our products to market sooner while we progress our own MegaFactory. This new phase in our journey builds on the partnership that we’ve established with UKBIC through cell development.”