An electrification plan is underway at Aston Martin, mirroring the strategies of many other global vehicle manufacturers. In Gaydon, UK, the company’s executives have committed to introducing its inaugural battery electric vehicle by 2025. Aston Martin has now taken a significant stride towards this objective by teaming up with the lithium-ion specialists at Britishvolt.
A recent memorandum of understanding has been inked to initiate a collaboration between the two firms with the aim of establishing “new benchmarks for consistent on-track performance, charging duration, and driving range.”
Aston Martin
Britishvolt, an emerging player in the realm of lithium-ion technology, has amassed a substantial $2 billion in backing from both the UK government and private entities. The battery specialist is erecting a Gigaplant within the grounds of the former Blyth Power Station in Cambois, Northumberland, slated for inauguration in 2024.
Britishvolt has already solidified its presence in the automotive sector. Earlier this year, the tech company disclosed its collaboration with high-performance automaker Lotus to co-create an electric vehicle; while Lotus will provide expertise in electric propulsion systems, Britishvolt will focus on developing the battery units.
Aston Martin has outlined its plans to have a fully electrified lineup by 2030. This is a bold ambition for a brand synonymous with powerful gas-guzzling V12 engines and aggressive V8 motors. However, the company has already begun its journey into electrification with the elegant Valhalla plug-in hybrid, set to be delivered from early 2024. Concurrently, the UK-based supercar manufacturer has been discreetly amassing talent for its electrification strategies, recruiting 176 new engineers in 2021 with expertise in electric powertrains, vehicle tuning, software, and electrical systems.
Curious about the implications of this collaboration on Aston Martin’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which, as per the Financial Times, has chosen Automotive Cells Company for its electric future? Aston Martin’s CEO, Tobias Moers, indicates that all plans are on track.
“In addition to our close strategic alliance with shareholder Mercedes-Benz AG, this collaboration provides Aston Martin with supplementary access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise to broaden our electrification capabilities,” Moers stated in a press release.
This partnership appears to be a promising match, affording the two British entities the opportunity to exchange innovations and resources in close proximity. I anticipate further models like the Valhalla, boasting even more immediate torque and intriguing design elements. The lingering question remains: will enthusiasts be content with V12 engine sounds piped into the cabin, or will they relish the high-tech silence of a fully electric Aston Martin? Count me in; I am eager to find out.
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