BASF to Make EV Batteries in Finland
German engineering giant BASF is partnering with a Russian nickel mining company to make electric vehicle batteries in Finland.
BASF has signed a deal to make the batteries at a factory in the western Finnish town of Harjavalta adjacent to an existing nickel and cobalt refinery owned by Russia’s Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel). However, the factory has not been built yet and the companies do not expect it to begin operating until late 2020.
BASF started making materials for EV batteries earlier this year, and the nickel and cobalt from Nornickel’s refinery will apparently be used in the production process. The companies claim this constitutes “a locally sourced and secure supply of raw materials”. BASF is characterizing the venture as part of its “support of the European Commission’s agenda towards a European battery production value chain”.
BASF senior vice-president of battery materials Jeffrey Lou claimed: “Our high-nickel cathode materials are key to deliver enhanced energy density and vehicle range to our customers. With this world-scale production facility, BASF will be able to serve the European e-mobility growth strategies of key OEMs and cell suppliers with reliable supply and close collaboration”.
