Northvolt moves lithium-metal technology development to Sweden

Northvolt will move the development of its next-generation lithium metal battery technology from California to its Northvolt Labs research and development campus in Västerås, Sweden. The goal is to consolidate R&D activities and industrialise Northvolt's cell product portfolio.

Until now, the battery cell manufacturer has been developing its lithium-metal technology through its fully owned subsidiary Cuberg in the San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California. Northvolt Labs is described as “a platform for cell industrialisation.” On the website, Northvolt emphasises that everything from cell production to validation processes and customer meeting spaces can be found in “one place” in Västerås.

“Bringing lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-metal technologies together under one roof at Northvolt Labs creates a unique environment for cross-innovation and accelerated development,” explained Sami Haikala, Chief Development Officer at Northvolt. “By centralising our efforts, we are better equipped to deliver the next generation of energy solutions to meet the growing demands of the global market.”

Northvolt Labs opened in 2019, and its production area spans over 20,000 square metres. Another 15,000 square metre area is currently under development. Over 1,000 people are employed there, including “a world-class team of material engineers, cell designers and manufacturing experts, working alongside cathode active material and cell manufacturing capabilities, as well as global supply chain development resources.”

“Northvolt Labs is a world-class battery R&D campus, that provides not only a natural home for lithium-metal but an excellent platform from which to assure the further development of lithium-metal technology,” said Shauna McIntyre, CEO of Cuberg. “The move strengthens Northvolt’s long-term commitment to advanced battery development and better positions it to engage industry first-movers with a technology that holds great promise.”

As Northvolt is shutting down the Cuberg site, McIntyre will not keep her current job. However, in its press release, the manufacturer explicitly states that she “will remain in a leadership role within Northvolt North America” to help the company expand its presence in the region. However, the company does not mention what will become of Cuberg employees, other than they have been encouraged to apply for jobs at Northvolt.

northvolt.com, northvolt.com (Northvolt Labs)