Verkor, established in 2020 in France, manufactures low-carbon batteries to support European electric vehicle production. The company develops sustainable battery solutions through optimized manufacturing processes and advanced technologies. With its team of international experts, Verkor aims to accelerate the industrial production of eco-friendly batteries while promoting open innovation. The company’s mission, captured in its motto, “Batteries. Now. For the future,” focuses on creating decarbonized solutions for renewable energy deployment and electric mobility applications.
Battery Technology
Verkor specializes in lithium-ion battery production, incorporating silicon-based anodes for enhanced energy density and extended battery life compared to traditional graphite alternatives. Their manufacturing approach includes roll-to-roll production methods, increasing efficiency and scalability. The company’s innovation center in Grenoble serves as a testing facility for new production processes and houses a scaled replica of their planned Gigafactory operations.
The company’s technical focus extends to developing cylindrical cells for various applications, including commercial vehicles, electric buses, and industrial equipment. Their battery solutions emphasize sustainability through local manufacturing and renewable energy usage, resulting in a carbon footprint approximately four to five times smaller than batteries produced in Asia. Verkor’s manufacturing processes incorporate digital innovations and smart factory concepts to optimize production efficiency and quality control.
Recent Projects
In October 2024, Verkor welcomed EnerSys and ING Sustainable Investments as new strategic investors. The company’s Gigafactory project in Bourbourg, near Dunkirk, achieved grid connections ahead of schedule, marking significant progress toward its production goals. The facility aims to produce batteries for 300,000 electric vehicles annually, with a capacity of 16 GWh. In September 2024, Verkor conducted a successful recruitment event, attracting over 1,200 participants as part of its plan to employ 1,200 staff by 2027.
Investors
Verkor’s investor base includes prominent industrial and financial partners. Major shareholders comprise Renault Group, EQT Ventures, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Macquarie Asset Management. The European Investment Bank has committed €270 million in direct loans, while a consortium of 16 commercial banks and 3 public banks provided a €1.3 billion green loan for the Dunkirk Gigafactory construction. Additional backing comes from Meridiam, PULSE (CMA CGM Energy Fund), and Airbridge Investments.
Business Details
Location: Grenoble, France
Website: https://verkor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68686870
