Aston Martin Joins Lotus in Choosing British Battery Supplier
Aston Martin is following Lotus in staking its electric future on an UK electric battery developer and manufacturer.
The Gaydon automaker has signed an agreement to develop bespoke high performance battery cell technology alongside Britishvolt. The move follows Lotus’s similar agreement announced in January.
Aston Martin’s collaboration, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, supports the luxury manufacturer’s plans to launch its first BEV in 2025, as it targets new standards of repeatable on-track performance, charging time and range.
A joint research and development team from the two companies will design, develop and industrialize battery packs, including bespoke modules and a battery management system. They will work together to maximize the capability of special cylindrical high performance cells being developed by Britishvolt for use in high performance vehicles.
Following the introduction of Aston Martin’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain in the mid-engine supercar Valhalla expected on global markest in early 2024, two years later all new Aston Martin product lines will have an electrified powertrain option, with a target for its core portfolio to be fully electrified by 2030.
The collaboration with Britishvolt is complementary to Aston Martin’s strategic technology agreement with Mercedes-Benz AG. Any investment will be funded by existing capital expenditure commitments to developing electric vehicles. Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This powerful collaboration combines Aston Martin’s 109 years of engineering mastery with the expertise of a fast-growing UK technology business. Working together with Britishvolt, I believe we can create new technologies to power benchmark-setting Aston Martin electric cars that will match our reputation for high performance and ultra-luxury with the highest standards of sustainability.”
Orral Nadjari, CEO and founder of Britishvolt, added: “For a prestigious marque such as Aston Martin, staying true to its world-renowned brand of ultra-luxury, high-performance vehicles, whilst transitioning to electrification, means insisting on customized, sustainable battery cell technology that pushes the boundaries of performance. Britishvolt is excited to be collaborating with Aston Martin, helping accelerate that switch to electrification – I believe we make formidable partners.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
