6K Energy and ONE sign agreement to develop critical battery materials
October 12, 2022
6K, North Andover, Massachusetts, USA, has announced that its 6K Energy division has signed a joint agreement with Our Next Energy (ONE), Novi, Michigan, to develop and produce the critical battery material that ONE will use in its Gemini and Aries battery platforms.
The agreement is intended to strengthen the procurement of domestically produced electric vehicle batteries for automotive OEMs manufactured by ONE made with battery materials produced locally by 6K Energy. Both organisations are focused on supplying the industry with domestically sourced batteries and battery material whilst lowering the environmental impact associated with traditional production technologies.
The collaboration will begin in 6K Energy’s Battery Center of Excellence located in North Andover where both teams will work jointly on qualification and performance targets. The agreement outlines a path to scale production where 6K UniMelt technology would process cathode materials in ONE’s manufacturing plant.
“This agreement with 6K Energy represents an important milestone for both organisations,” commented Dr Deeana Ahmed, vice president of Strategy and Government Relations at ONE. “By onshoring our cell manufacturing and battery materials and implementing a localised supply chain, ONE will be able to reduce our products carbon emissions by 34%. Implementing 6K’s UniMelt technology will help ONE further drive down our emissions.”
“Since 2020, supply chain disruptions have underscored the importance of a domestic battery supply chain,” Dr Ahmed continued. “The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is vital for this partnership; the unprecedented incentives contained in the IRA will accelerate demand for American-made energy storage technology. The law will facilitate new partnerships that will define the next generation of manufacturing jobs.”
Sam Trinch 6K Energy president, added, “ONE is recognised in the industry as chartering exciting new milestones with their Gemini and Aries battery technologies. This agreement allows us to leverage the power of our UniMelt microwave plasma to extend performance of the chemistries, while keeping production on US soil.”
