European battery manufacturers launch non-profit ‘Upcell’

The non-profit organisation “Upcell – European Battery Manufacturing Alliance” was recently founded in Paris. The members and partners have set themselves the task of building a European value chain for batteries and thus accelerating the transition to electromobility.

To this end, the non-profit organisation, led by Claude Laperiere, will in future be involved in projects across Europe that deal thematically with battery manufacturing, according to a statement. In addition, the Upcell Alliance plans to raise awareness of the benefits of an economically autonomous Europe through high-profile events, promotions and conferences, and to promote international exchange. The alliance also aims to become an exchange platform for industry representatives.

Members include ACC, BasqueVolt, Bühler, Comau, Freyr, InoBat, Schneider Electric, Verkor as well as a total of seven colleges and universities and the research initiative Battech. From Germany, for example, the University of Oldenburg is represented.

“For us, it is an important concern to be part of the Upcell Alliance from the very beginning,” says Christophe de Maistre, Zone President DACH at Schneider Electric. “Together with other European companies, we want to further expand battery production here and ensure that European industry can keep up in the competition for the best manufacturing. As an impact company, it is a particular concern for us to be able to contribute to a successful mobility transition with our commitment.”

With reporting by Sebastian Schaal, Germany.

se.com (announcement in German by Schneider Electric), upcell.org