Ilika, a UK pioneer in solid-state battery technology, has launched a £214,000 12-month joint development program with Brompton Bicycles to integrate Ilika’s 10 Ah Goliath prototypes into Brompton’s next-generation foldable e-bike battery packs. The program, named SELECT and funded by the UK’s Battery Innovation Programme, will begin on July 1, 2026, with production of the battery packs and on-bike trials planned by mid-2027, contingent on achieving technical milestones.
Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle and e-bike manufacturer and the leading exporter of British bicycles, is globally recognized for its folding-bike engineering and strong brand equity. The collaboration aims to leverage Ilika’s Goliath cells, which offer increased energy density and advanced safety features, to create lighter battery pack designs. This weight reduction could improve the portability and range of Brompton’s compact e-bikes while opening access to new markets by emphasizing quality and safety.
Demonstrating robust battery safety standards is especially important to meet China’s stringent e-bike battery regulations and to address growing fire-safety concerns in Western regions. Insurers, local authorities, and transport operators are increasingly scrutinizing e-bike battery fire risks, and showcasing superior safety control could offer a competitive advantage for UK and European manufacturers.
Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika, said the partnership aligns Ilika’s safety-focused Goliath technology with Brompton’s premium UK brand and underscores the importance of safety-dependent applications. Yan Pugh-Jones, Engineering Director at Brompton, noted that the collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to developing safer, high-performance e-bikes without compromising the lightweight, folding design that defines Brompton. He added that Brompton is keen to foster UK-based R&D partnerships, calling this project a strong example.
By combining Ilika’s expertise in solid-state battery design with Brompton’s market-leading foldable e-bike platform, the two firms aim to deliver a safer, more efficient battery solution that enhances Brompton’s product offering and global reach.
Source: Ilika Latest News
