Hyperdrive Innovation and Nissan to commercialise LEAF cells

The Sunderland-based SME is believed to be the first independent company to have commercialised Nissan’s LEAF cells, which are made in the Japanese giant’s UK plant.

“We’ve been making lithium ion batteries for four and half years. Historically we’ve purchased pouch cells from overseas, but two years ago we approached Nissan with a view to introducing their technology to new niche markets,” said Stephen Irish, managing director of Hyperdrive Innovation.

“The factory is half a mile from our facility, so it has dramatically shortened the supply chain, which has reduced the cost, complexity and carbon footprint of what we do. We’ve worked very closely with Nissan – not only with the manufacturing team in the UK, but also the marketing department in Paris and the R&D team in Japan. The Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK have also been very supportive and we have a number of collaborative projects through the North East Automotive Alliance.”