Aston Martin announced its collaboration with Britishvolt, a UK-based battery-tech company, with the goal of developing batteries for high-performance vehicles. Aston Martin will launch its first mass-produced fully electric vehicle in 2025, hoping to utilize new battery tech setting new standards for “repeatable on-track performance, charging time, and range”.
The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for joint research and development of battery technology designed “specifically for high-performance cars”. The joint team will “design, develop and industrialize battery packs, including bespoke modules and battery management systems”. The goal will be to maximize the capability of Britishvolt’s cylindrical high-performance cells and eventually use them in Aston Martin’s future EVs.
The electrification of Aston Martin’s range will start in early 2024 with the plug-in hybrid Valhalla, the first BEV will arrive in 2025, while the entire range will be fully electrified by 2030. To achieve that goal, Aston Martin is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, with the Britishvolt partnership being complementary to the latter.
Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Supplementing the close strategic relationship with our shareholder Mercedes-Benz AG, this partnership provides Aston Martin with additional access to technology and skills to broaden our electrification options”. According to the announcement, the investment will be funded by “existing capital expenditure commitments” to developing EVs.
Orral Nadjari, CEO and Founder of Britishvolt, said: “This collaboration once again highlights the value of working hand-in-glove with customers to co-develop and manufacture tailored, sustainable, localized battery cells, allowing vehicle makers to deliver superior products”, adding that “We are excited about the prospect of an all-electric Aston Martin powered by Britishvolt’s low carbon, sustainable battery cells.”
Britishvolt recently secured more than £1.7 billion ($2.24 billion) in funding to construct a $5.1 billion battery gigafactory in Northumberland, UK. Besides Aston Martin, the company has announced its collaboration with Lotus for the development of an innovative battery cell package that will be used in the next generation of the brand’ sports cars.
