British start-ups and small businesses developing next generation battery technologies can now access world-class testing facilities at lower cost, following the launch of the new Flexible Pilot Line (FPL) at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) in Coventry today, attended by Minister for Industry Chris McDonald.
The Minister for Industry will visit UKBIC to formally open the production line, which represents a major expansion of the UK’s capability to develop and commercialise advanced battery technologies.
The new line is the only facility of its kind in Europe, and the batteries developed through it will be used in electric vehicles as well as the defence and maritime sectors, supporting the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and national security objectives.
Having production capacity in the UK means innovative firms can prove their technologies at scale, giving customers and investors the confidence needed to support further growth. This will help expand the UK’s battery sector and ensure that more world-leading technologies are developed and commercialised domestically.
Speaking to The Manufacturer, Minister for Industry Chris McDonald said: “The new Flexible Pilot Line shows how government investment through our Industrial Strategy is helping UK innovators bring advanced battery technologies to market faster.
“By providing access to world class equipment at lower cost and risk, UKBIC is supporting high potential firms and strengthening the UK’s position in this vital industry.
“This launch will enable British companies that have technologies at readiness level 1 to 5, to take the next step to commercialisation and develop that processing knowledge. Automotive is one of the sectors that we’ve identified as core in our Industrial Strategy and we’re investing in scale and research.
“The Chancellor has stated that where things are made matters. That is a massive change on where British governments have been in recent years. This is something I’m sure all readers of The Manufacturer would be delighted to hear.
“People care about where things are made; they are proud to buy British and this centre is all part of delivering on that.”
Sean Gilgunn, UKBIC’s Managing Director said: “The FPL further strengthens our offering to industry, giving start-ups and SMEs a great opportunity to bring their innovative chemistries and materials to us to prove at scale before moving onto our ISL for full commercialisation. It’s really the missing piece in the jigsaw of the UK’s battery ecosystem which can now go from laboratory testing all the way to gigafactories.”
The first two companies to use the FPL are Echion and Ilika, both UK firms working on next-generation battery technologies as they progress towards commercial production. The businesses will use the FPL to advance and de-risk the scaleup of their innovative battery technologies, with Ilika collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Oxford University.
The facility has been supported by £38m of government funding, delivered in 2023 through the Faraday Battery Challenge. Its predecessor, the Battery Innovation Programme represents the government’s single largest commitment to the UK battery sector and aims to accelerate commercialisation, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and ensure innovative UK businesses can scale up and remain in the UK.
The UK battery sector currently employs 10,500 people, with thriving hubs in the West Midlands and North East.
The announcement forms part of the government’s Industrial Strategy which aims to strengthen the UK’s battery ecosystem — building a homegrown industry that supports skilled jobs, reduces reliance on overseas supply chains, and enables innovative firms to grow in the UK.
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