Lively UK EV component segment needs cash and skills to scale up

The bust and rescue of battery start-up Britishvolt made media headlines this winter. The story highlighted the fragility of the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, whose future is uncertain if it must import costly batteries from abroad – especially from outside the European Union due to rules of origin in the UK’s Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Batteries are just one part in an EV, albeit c. 40% of the value. They need motors, power electronics, chargers, inverters and more components that convert battery chemistry into motion. Where will these parts come from? Many UK-based suppliers are at different maturity stages. Some serve lateral, smaller automotive markets such as off-highway, and others are developing potentially game-changing technology.

A secure supply chain of active materials

The questionable provenance of some active materials in lithium batteries has dogged the battery industry. Typically the anode active material is graphite or silicon and the cathode is normally made of nickel or cobalt, that can be mined in poor conditions. Sigma Lithium is altering battery chemistry to secure a safe materials supply chain and extend battery range.