Ionetic, a British start-up specializing in the development of electric vehicle (EV) battery packs, has recently inaugurated a pilot production plant in the UK. This new facility, located in Brackley, Northamptonshire, represents an investment of £5 million ($7.56 million) and is designed to cater to the requirements of low-volume automakers by offering tailored battery solutions for a variety of vehicles.
The primary objective of this plant is to manufacture EV battery packs that are currently in development for various British and US manufacturers. Ionetic’s CEO, James Eaton, emphasized the critical role that these battery packs play in the operation of electric vehicles. The company’s strategic focus includes serving manufacturers of buses, commercial vehicles, sports cars, off-road vehicles, as well as niche vehicles like golf carts or beach buggies.
Eaton highlighted the disparity between large automakers with significant financial resources and smaller manufacturers who may not have the financial capacity to invest in electrification. While a major automaker might allocate over £30 million for an in-house EV battery pack, Ionetic aims to provide a custom solution for less than £1 million. The goal is to enable customers to achieve production with a high-quality battery pack at a lower cost.
Currently, Ionetic is collaborating on a research and development project with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of Canada’s NFI Group. In addition, the company partnered with Rockwell Automation in May 2024 to utilize their hardware and software for virtual testing of battery packs at the pilot plant before moving on to physical production.
In conclusion, Ionetic’s new pilot production plant signifies a significant step forward in the development of EV battery technology in the UK. By focusing on custom solutions for smaller manufacturers, the company aims to make electric vehicle adoption more accessible and cost-effective in the automotive industry.
