Anglo-Korean battery manufacturer Eurocell is to build a gigafactory in Western Europe, supplying ‘production-ready’ EV batteries in just 12 months.

Eurocell said its phased strategy and claimed proven, production-ready technology means it can start manufacturing at scale within 12 months – far quicker than other gigafactories

The company is actively looking at sites in one of three key markets – the UK, the Netherlands or Spain – and said the final choice is “heavily dependent on gaining the right level of central government support and investment”.

It will then mass-produce and export its battery technologies, which it said could be manufactured at scale within 12 months – far quicker than other gigafactories – due to its claimed proven battery product.

The company has an initial £600m investment planned over two phases and intends to supply its batteries to European energy storage, automotive and e-mobility applications. Full capacity will be reached as early as 2025.

The firm also claims a considerable technical advantage for its batteries, which it said last over 10 times longer than conventional lithium-ion cells, making them far more sustainable, with no ‘end-of-life’ issues and perfect for energy storage system applications. It added that they have a wide range of operating temperatures that also makes them ideally suited to areas with extreme weather and without an existing grid network.

Recardo Bruins, CEO Eurocell EMEA, said: “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.”

Eurocell’s phased approach for its gigafactory would see work initially begin producing advanced battery cells at scale by early 2023 for existing customers. In parallel a bespoke facility will be constructed on the same site, capable of producing in excess of 40 million cells per year by 2025.

If sited in the UK, the new facility would support government plans to make the UK automotive industry a leader in electric vehicles. A report published by the SMMT last year called for a binding target on battery capacity to support British automakers.

In the UK, work is currently underway on two gigafactories. Electric battery start-up Britishvolt is pushing ahead with plans for a gigafactory in Northumberland after securing £1.7bn in funding earlier this year and a further £40m investment from mining firm Glencore this week.

Meanwhile, Nissan is transforming its Sunderland plant into a flagship Electric Vehicle Hub that will build its new-generation electric crossover and encompass a new gigafactory.

And in the West Midlands, initial plans by a joint venture between Coventry City Council and Coventry Airport to deliver a gigafactory have been greenlighted by the Government, giving the all-clear to grant planning consent as and when funding is secured.