Batteries are quickly becoming what oil was in the last century: essential to how the world runs. They’re at the heart of clean mobility, energy security and economic independence. And as the global race to secure battery supply heats up, it’s clear that the UK has both a challenge and a huge opportunity in front of it.
At Volklec, we believe there’s a smarter path forward. Not the high-risk, high-cost model of doing everything alone. And not the overly dependent model of relying on others for critical tech. Instead, we’re taking a third route. One that combines global expertise with a strong UK foundation. It’s practical, proven, and built for long-term success.
There is a growing focus on industry in the political realm, with the recent modern Industrial Strategy published, a swathe of funding for projects in the transport sector and new incentives to electrify. These sectors, particularly automotive, transport and, increasingly, defence, require battery power, and without a strong battery industry at home, we risk missing the domestic industrial targets and falling behind internationally.
Right now, most of the batteries used in UK-made electric vehicles and mobility products come from overseas, especially Asia. This results in inefficiencies, longer supply chains and more uncertainty. It also makes it harder to meet our climate goals when the core technology behind ‘green’ products comes with a hefty carbon footprint.
It’s no secret that China currently leads the global battery market, and efforts elsewhere in the world to catch up haven’t always gone smoothly. There have been delays and even failures, despite good intentions and big investments.
That’s why we’re approaching things differently.
Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel or relying entirely on foreign partnerships, Volklec is bringing proven battery technology to the UK through smart knowledge transfer. That means learning from those who’ve already done it well and applying that knowledge here.
Think of it as reversing the trend from a few decades ago, when parts of the UK’s automotive industry moved overseas. Now, we’re bringing that capability back, with a modern twist: combining local talent, global insight and a clear mission to build something lasting.
This is more than just building batteries. It’s about building resilience. About giving the UK control over its own future in a world that’s moving fast toward electrification.
There are more than 100 electric mobility manufacturers already operating in the UK, from big-name brands to exciting start-ups. Many of them chose to start here. Now, we want to help make sure they stay here and grow here.
To do that, we need local battery supply. Not just for convenience, but to keep costs competitive, reduce environmental impact and strengthen our manufacturing base. That’s why gigafactories are so important. And we don’t just need one or two. We need a network of them, across the country, powering a new wave of clean industry.
Done right, this could mean thousands of new jobs, billions in investment and a major boost for regional economies. It’s a win for business, a win for communities and a win for the planet.
The good news is that the UK government is starting to see the importance of this, too. Batteries have recently been named one of six ‘frontier industries’ in the modern Industrial Strategy. That’s a big step. And a clear signal that there’s national backing for what we’re trying to build.
We’re encouraged by this momentum. But now is the time to turn ambition into action. With our first cells now available in the UK and ready to go to customers, we’re ready to get to work.
Source: (11) A Better Way Forward: Rethinking the UK’s Battery Future | LinkedIn
