North East technology centre CPI has joined a consortium amid moves to strengthen the 海角视频 EV battery supply chain.

The NETPark-based CPI has teamed up with Oxford-based FluoRok and Coventry University to deliver the 海角视频鈥檚 first demonstrator plant for the production of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF) 鈥 a chemical used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

The project, backed by a 拢1.5m Demonstrate grant under the Department for Business and Trade鈥檚 拢2.5bn DRIVE35 programme, is said to mark a significant step forward in securing the 海角视频鈥檚 battery materials supply chain. The new facility will be built using FluoRok鈥檚 manufacturing process, enabling large-scale, sustainable production of LiPF.

The new facility, which will produce large-scale volumes every year, is designed to allow industrial-scale production and address a strategic 海角视频 supply chain vulnerability.

Dr Keri Goodwin, chief technologist at Sedgefield-based CPI, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to partner with FluoRok and Coventry University to accelerate the commercialisation of this essential fluorochemical process. This aligns perfectly with CPI鈥檚 mission to support advanced materials innovation and strengthen 海角视频 manufacturing capability in the electrification sector.鈥

Dr Gabriele Pupo, CEO of FluoRok, said: 鈥淭his award marks a pivotal step for 海角视频 battery chemistry and national supply chain resilience. By demonstrating scalable, 海角视频-based production of LiPF, we鈥檙e addressing a critical bottleneck in the EV value chain. We鈥檙e proud to be working alongside CPI and Coventry University to deliver technology with lasting environmental and economic impact.鈥

Professor Alex Roberts at Coventry University, said: 鈥淭his collaboration brings together industrial chemistry, manufacturing know-how, and academic excellence. Our research teams are eager to contribute deep expertise in battery cell prototyping and performance evaluation that will help ensure the project鈥檚 commercial success and environmental responsibility.鈥

Ian Constance, CEO of the Advanced Propulsion Centre 海角视频 and Zenzic, said: 鈥淭his new investment underlines the commitment from Government to secure advanced manufacturing in the 海角视频. I am pleased that the APC, Zenzic, and its delivery partners are here to facilitate a new wave of funding in the automotive industry, supporting innovation, driving scale-up, and enabling transformation.鈥