Volklec, a British battery startup founded in 2024, has signed an agreement with Far East Battery (FEB) to use their technology for producing batteries for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. The company, backed by the British investment firm Frontive Group, aims to make sustainable batteries for road, off-road, and rail vehicles. Volklec plans to manufacture two types of lithium-ion round cells in the 21700 format using FEB’s technology.
The first variant, with NMC chemistry, is for widespread use in e-mobility and stationary storage. The second variant targets specialist applications in the automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway sectors. Production will start on a 100 MWh line at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry, a partly government-funded facility.
Volklec plans to set up a 1 GWh production line by the end of 2026 and expand to a 10 GWh factory by the end of the decade. The company aims to produce batteries for electric scooters, e-bikes, and chargers by late 2025, with electric car battery production starting in the second half of 2026.
Volklec’s collaborative battery production journey
Volklec has worked closely with UKBIC from the start to develop cells that meet the needs of the British automotive market, including makers of small series and niche vehicles. Founder Imran Khatri said the initial focus will be on the automotive industry, ensuring a secure supply for the sector before looking at broader electrification markets. UKBIC Managing Director Sean Gilgunn said, “This agreement marks the start of Volklec’s journey to scale up production significantly in the coming years, and we are proud to support their initial development phase.”
Far East Battery, part of Far East Smarter Energy Co., focuses on the research, development, manufacturing, and after-sales service of lithium cells, battery packs, and stationary storage solutions.
It has a production capacity of 7 GWh for cylindrical cells and 1 GWh for pouch cells in China. These cells are used in electric two-wheelers, cars, storage systems, and consumer electronics. Volklec is using existing, proven technology to reduce capital needs and speed up market entry, unlike the failed Britishvolt or troubled Swedish company Northvolt.
Volklec’s approach is about getting to market quickly using proven technology to instill confidence in customers and investors,” said Volklec Managing Director Phil Popham. “We know where we’re going to buy it, where we’ll produce it, and what we’ll produce.”
This strategic approach puts Volklec in a good position to make big strides in the battery manufacturing industry, with the support of established technology and strong supply chains.
Photo by; Possessed Photography on Unsplash
