Tata Explores Startup Collaborations for UK Battery Plant

21 Aug 2023 , 10:40 AM

Tata Sons engages with startups to gather technical expertise for its £4 billion UK battery plant project. The conglomerate aims to commence mass battery production at the facility by 2026. Tata Motors’ CFO, P.B. Balaji, emphasizes startups’ technological forefront and reveals ongoing discussions with various entities. 

The battery plant partnerships could span joint ventures, knowledge sharing, experimentation, and licensing agreements. Tata envisions partnerships across the value chain, from cell chemistry to manufacturing and industrialization. Collaborations with companies involved in research, manufacturing innovation, and refining are in progress. Official announcements are expected once options are narrowed down.

Tata’s approach aligns with major automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis NV, and Nissan, who partnered with established battery makers for Europe’s battery supply. The battery plant initiative is a boost for the UK’s struggling automotive industry post-Brexit and during the EV transition.

Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors commit as anchor customers for the battery plant. The plant plans to produce 40 gigawatt hours of batteries annually starting in 2026. Tata intends to fund the project through a mix of equity, debt, and potentially equipment financing.

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