Aston Martin will develop high-performance batteries with Britishvolt

Aston Martin and tech company Britishvolt have signed a memorandum of understanding - basically more than a gentlemen’s agreement, but not quite a binding contract - to co-develop “high performance battery cell technology”. New V12 Vantage feels like a whole other ball game now, doesn’t it?

Under the plans, a joint team from both parties will design, develop and ‘industrialise’ battery packs to be used in future Astons. A battery management system will also be developed for the bespoke units.

And which ‘future Astons’ would benefit, exactly? Well, the British company has lined up its first fully electric sports car for a debut in 2025, for which Aston Martin is targeting “new standards of repeatable on-track performance, charging time and range”.

The plug-in hybrid, 937bhp V8 Valhalla will precede it in 2024, and by 2026 every car on Aston’s books will have the option of electrification in some way.

And then by 2030, the whole line-up will be electrified. Don’t try to fight it, there is no escape.

“This powerful collaboration combines Aston Martin’s 109 years of engineering mastery with the expertise of a fast-growing UK technology business,” said CEO Tobias Moers, he of former AMG persuasion. “Working together with Britishvolt, I believe we can create new technologies to power benchmark-setting Aston Martin electric cars that will match our reputation for high performance and ultra-luxury with the highest standards of sustainability.

“This collaboration once again highlights the value of working hand-in-glove with customers to co-develop and manufacture tailored, sustainable, localised battery cells, allowing vehicle makers to deliver superior products,” added Britishvolt founder and CEO Orral Nadjari.

“We are excited about the prospect of an all-electric Aston Martin powered by Britishvolt’s low carbon, sustainable battery cells. Collaboration like this is the only way forward for a successful energy transition.”

Aston Martin isn’t the first UK manufacturer to sign up for Britishvolt’s tech: the latter’s lithium-ion cells are expected to power a battery-electric Lotus. Watch these many spaces…

TEXT Joe Holding