ULTRA (Ultra-powerful cells for Low-emission TRAnsport)

The ULTRA project targets next-generation battery improvement at the cell level with the development, scale-up and commercialisation of AMTE Power's innovative power-dense Ultra-High Power (UHP) cells to automotive-ready variants, using precision metals expertise (Avocet) and the cells’ integration into high-performance PHEV/BEV (external to the project via steering group partners) and efficiency focussed commercial BEV (Magtec) platforms, with the charger technology (Petalite) required to ensure they can all be fast-charged. The ULTRA project is 100% focused on energy storage and energy management, and every consortium-partner of the ULTRA project is essential to ensure the successful deployment of UK-manufactured next-generation Li-ion cells, their raw materials, and downstream supply chain. In addition to developing the second generation of the UHP cells, AMTE will work to significantly improve its electrolyte filling and internal testing capability to further ensure the automotive readiness of the cells. Avocet Precision Metals will supply the metallic raw materials for the UHP cells, and their participation will allow them to progress from a distributor of precision metals to a UK based manufacturer. Avocet shares the concerns of their customers about the danger of interruption/breakdown in long-distance supply chains, particularly to smaller volume cell manufacturers. Their solution is to create a UK centre of excellence for tab cell development, established to support the evolution of AMTE’s UHP cells. Magtec will design and integrate new battery packs and management systems, utilising 21700 cylindrical commercial cells as well as prismatic EVE cells. Magtec will then perform back-to-back testing against their existing reg100 certified battery packs, taking the form of rig-testing within Magtec and real-life vehicle testing, utilising 7.5t trucks and 26t refuse vehicles. Battery thermal management and rapid onsite pack building will also be a focus for Magtec. The demonstration of cylindrical cell and prismatic cell solutions in Magtec batteries will enable a dual sourcing strategy, allowing Magtec to ensure secure UK supply of EV drive systems. Petalite's patented Ultra SDC charger for BEVs has the potential to address market trends and needs for shorter charge time (higher power charge), improved modularity and lower lifetime cost, and will allow for the fast charging of the vehicles considered by Magtec.