UK Battery Industrialisation Centre will play a crucial role in supporting this advancement.
Exclusive Technology and Knowledge Transfer Agreement
Following a rigorous global process led by Volklec’s technology and manufacturing team, an exclusive license agreement has been reached with the substantial Asian battery supplier, Far East Battery (FEB). FEB is a market leader in the design and manufacture of batteries, providing energy storage solutions and EV power globally since 2009.
In a first-of-its-kind technology and knowledge transfer agreement, Volklec will manufacture advanced lithium-ion batteries in the UK. Production starts later this year from Volklec’s launch base at UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, supported by a delivery partnership team of specialists from FEB in China to ensure a high-yield, high-quality manufacturing line in readiness for the start of production in Coventry.
Advanced Lithium-Ion Cell Production for High-Value Sectors
Two specifications of advanced lithium-ion 21700 cylindrical battery cells will be manufactured by Volklec. First to production will be a proven energy cell – a compact cylindrical cell using NMC chemistry to serve the broad e-mobility and energy storage sectors.
This is followed by the launch of an innovative power cell aimed primarily at servicing the High Value Manufacturing sector, in particular specialist applications within automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway.
Volklec will be utilising UK Battery Industrialisation Centre’s current 100MWh line to produce the energy cell, with an additional 1GWh production line to be installed by the end of 2026 to manufacture the power cell.
Strategic Growth: Volklec’s Roadmap to Expansion
Volklec’s strategic roadmap includes a dedicated 10GWh gigafactory representing an investment of more than £1bn and creating more than 1,000 highly skilled jobs by the end of the decade.
A team of highly experienced executives form the management of Volklec, leading a group of technical specialists based at the company’s launch base at UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. The team is led by Executive Director, Phil Popham—a seasoned auto industry leader, having run Jaguar Land Rover operations globally, served as CEO of Lotus Cars and also Sunseeker in the luxury marine sector.
Strengthening the UK’s Battery Supply Chain
Popham said: “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’s executive team includes key commercial, technical, and EV business specialists with deep experience in the battery, manufacturing, and electrification sectors. Ron Lee is Chief Technical and Manufacturing Officer, having formerly served as Global Director of Powertrain Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover; Shakeel Meharban is Chief Commercial Officer, having formerly served as Managing Director for the Automotive Business Unit of McLaren Applied, and Nikki Rimmington is Head of Strategy, having formerly served as Strategy Development Director for InoBat Auto.
Aiming for a Sustainable and Electrified Future
Established to play a pivotal role in the journey towards decarbonisation, Volklec aims to be a catalyst in powering the transformation of the UK into a global leader in the electric revolution with its fast-to-market, low-risk design and delivery strategy. Through its disruptive approach, Volklec bridges the gap between the established supply lines to large OEMs—who often have dedicated gigafactories lined up—and the lower-volume niche players seeking surety of supply. UK Battery Industrialisation Centre is at the core of this effort, supporting innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
