Coventry University’s AME creating roadmap for future of next-generation battery technologies
Coventry University’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) is helping to advance next generation battery technologies by analysing production processes and supply chain challenges.
Next-generation batteries represent an evolution beyond current lithium-ion technology, offering improved charging speeds, extended lifespans, enhanced safety and greater environmental sustainability.
To accelerate this evolution, AME, supported by funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), will analyse the complete lifecycle of next-generation battery development – from research to production and delivery – identifying the technical, economic and workforce needs.
The findings should inform a comprehensive investment plan to transition new battery technologies from research to large-scale manufacturing, accelerating the shift to net-zero solutions and strengthening the UK’s role in the global battery market.
The Faraday Institution has projected that the UK will need 100GWh of battery manufacturing capacity by 2030 to satisfy demand for batteries from the UK’s automotive industry and other sectors. Current developments, such as new battery plants, focus primarily on established lithium-ion technology, which can serve the existing market but may limit the UK’s ability to advance in next-generation solutions.
AME will collaborate with Hyperbat, Taisan and GNN, all specialists in battery packs, materials and cell chemistries, to evaluate the UK battery production ecosystem.
This will involve identifying gaps and opportunities in the supply chain, assessing manufacturing requirements and mapping the technical capabilities needed to meet the specific demands of the automotive, aerospace and defence sectors.
A key focus of the project is the creation of a robust and competitive supply chain strategy for advanced battery production. AME will examine successful case studies from other countries and explore funding options and strategies that could be effective in the UK, with the goal of developing a plan that aligns with the UK’s innovation priorities in battery technology.
The project will involve several small-to-medium enterprises from the first cohort of Coventry University’s Clean Futures programme, who are developing innovative solutions to reduce the transport sector’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Dr Glen Turley, Principal Engineer for Manufacturing Metrology at AME, said:
By examining the full process of battery production, we’re not just identifying what the UK needs now, but preparing for future technologies that will power everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage.
“This approach will enable us to bridge critical gaps in the supply chain and ensure that UK manufacturing is ready to meet the demands of next-generation battery technologies.”
Professor Marcos Kauffman, Director of AME and Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials, said:
AME’s research will directly contribute to strengthening the UK’s capabilities in advanced battery manufacturing, ensuring that the UK is equipped to meet the growing global demand for high-performance, sustainable energy solutions.
AME aims to establish a digital hub in collaboration with the APC to publish ongoing project findings, allowing for continuous engagement and knowledge-sharing within the UK’s battery and sustainable transport community.
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Coventry University’s AME creating roadmap for future of next-generation battery technologies, source
