Anglo-Korean battery manufacturer Eurocell is set to build its first European Gigafactory, supplying proven ‘production ready’ technologies within 12 months.
The company said this is possible as it has a proven battery product which is ready for scaled-up manufacturing.With an initial £600million investment planned over two phases, it intends to supply European energy storage, automotive, and e-mobility applications. Full capacity is expected to be reached as early as 2025.
The company will mass-produce and export its technology from one of three markets – the UK, the Netherlands or Spain. It is already actively looking at sites and said the final choice is dependent on gaining the right level of central government support and investment.
Recardo Bruins, CEO Eurocell EMEA, said: “Eurocell in the UK is a new company, led by a highly experienced UK team and backed by our South Korean partner with decades of experience in electro-chemistry, making batteries at mass-scale and building the Gigafactories to produce them.
“Now we are planning to rapidly expand in Europe, supplying the energy storage and automotive industries with our market-leading technologies that last longer, perform better and are 100% safe. These products can be on the market in months, not years.
“To fulfil our mission, we are actively seeking a European manufacturing base and are in advanced discussions with sites in the UK, Netherlands and Spain. With the right level of central engagement and support we are keen to take advantage of the rapidly growing European market as quickly as possible.”
Additionally, the company’s batteries, developed in Korea, are designed to last over ten times longer than conventional lithium-ion cells, making them more sustainable, with no ‘end of life’ issues. Eurocell added the battery has a wide range of operating temperatures making it ideally suited to areas with extreme weather and without an existing grid network.
