The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) is a national manufacturing development facility established in 2018 to support the advancement of battery manufacturing in the United Kingdom. Located in Coventry, this £200 million publicly funded institution serves as an essential link between battery research and mass production. UKBIC enables manufacturers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and educators to develop and scale their battery manufacturing processes while maintaining strict quality and safety standards. The facility operates under the Faraday Battery Challenge initiative, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of efficient, high-performance battery technologies.
Battery Technology
UKBIC’s technical capabilities span the entire battery manufacturing process, from materials processing to final pack assembly. The facility houses state-of-the-art equipment for electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, and module production. Their manufacturing lines can produce both cylindrical and pouch cells, offering flexibility for different applications and requirements.
The center’s advanced Battery Development Laboratory (BDL) provides extensive analytical capabilities, including material characterization, cell testing, and performance validation. This 240m2 laboratory features specialized equipment for real-time analysis of materials and cells during the scale-up process. The facility includes advanced microscopes for forensic investigation, equipment for chemical and physical processing, and sophisticated tools for electrochemical analysis.
UKBIC’s technical infrastructure supports various battery chemistries and formats, allowing organizations to test and validate their technologies before investing in full-scale production. The facility maintains a clean and dry environment essential for battery manufacturing, complemented by environmental chambers and cell cycling equipment for thorough testing procedures.
Recent Projects
In late 2023, UKBIC received a £38 million investment through the Faraday Battery Challenge to enhance its facilities. This funding supports the implementation of new pilot lines and the expansion of the Battery Development Laboratory. The center has also established partnerships with Australian organizations to strengthen international collaboration in battery research and development.
Investors
UKBIC receives funding from several significant sources, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Faraday Battery Challenge program. The West Midlands Combined Authority provides additional funding, demonstrating regional commitment to battery innovation. The facility also benefits from support through Coventry City Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, working alongside the University of Warwick’s WMG department.
Business Details
Location: Coventry, United Kingdom
Website: https://ukbic.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28660677
