Seven British companies, including Johnson Matthey- a battery materials firm, Britishvolt, and Oxford University, have come together for the development of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), according to media reports.
The group will build a facility, where prototypes and technologies will be developed for the mass production of solid-state batteries.
The government-backed Faraday Institution is also a part of the alliance and is working towards helping UK businesses develop and manufacture EV batteries.
Manufacturers including Ford Motors and BMW AG are researching or investing in solid-state battery technology, expected to store more energy and thus translate to more driving range. These batteries will be safer due to the absence of flammable parts.
Britishvolt plans to build a battery factory in northern England and commence operations in 2023. The last phase of the three-phase plant is scheduled to be completed by 2027.