- UKBIC has begun installing a new cylindrical cell assembly line at its Coventry facility.
- The expansion will support multiple battery formats and chemistries from autumn 2026.
United Kingdom-based UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) has started installing a new advanced cell assembly line at its Coventry facility as part of the ongoing expansion of its Flexible Pilot Line (FPL). The latest investment is designed to broaden the organization's battery development and pilot-scale manufacturing capabilities, enabling customers to access more flexible production options for emerging battery technologies and applications.
The newly installed equipment will provide the capability to manufacture both tabbed and tabless 21700 and 4695 cylindrical battery cells. By supporting these increasingly important cylindrical cell formats, UKBIC aims to help customers accelerate product development, validation, and scale-up activities while addressing evolving market requirements across different battery sectors.
In addition to the cylindrical cell assembly line, a new pouch cell assembly system is currently undergoing testing. The system is scheduled for installation later in 2026 and will further expand the range of cell formats available through the Flexible Pilot Line. This additional capability is expected to support organizations working on diverse battery technologies, providing greater flexibility for research, development, and pre-commercial manufacturing activities.
The enhanced cell assembly infrastructure is expected to become available to customers during autumn 2026. Once fully operational, the upgraded production environment will support a broad portfolio of customer projects and battery cell formats. The expansion is also intended to strengthen UKBIC’s ability to accommodate different battery chemistries and application requirements, helping organizations advance innovation and commercialization efforts within the battery value chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new capability is UKBIC adding to its Flexible Pilot Line?
The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre is installing a new advanced cell assembly line capable of producing both tabbed and tabless 21700 and 4695 cylindrical battery cells. This addition expands the manufacturing flexibility available at the Coventry facility and supports customers developing next-generation battery technologies. The capability is designed to assist with pilot-scale production, validation activities, and technology scale-up while accommodating a wide range of battery chemistries and end-use applications across the industry.
When will the new battery cell assembly capabilities be available?
The new cylindrical cell assembly capability is expected to be available to customers in autumn 2026. Alongside this development, a pouch cell assembly system is being tested and is planned for installation later in the same year. Once operational, these systems will allow UKBIC to support a wider range of battery formats and customer projects, enhancing its role in helping organizations move battery technologies from development and pilot production toward commercialization.
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