BASF Collaborates with Porsche to Develop High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles

Selforce Group to Take Over BASF Cell and Start Battery Production from 2024

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] BASF has been selected as the exclusive cell development partner for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries of Cellforce Group, a joint venture between Porsche and Customcells.

On the 22nd, BASF announced that it will exclusively supply high-energy HEDTM NCM cathode active materials to Cellforce Group. Cellforce Group plans to produce batteries at a factory with an annual capacity of at least 100 MWh starting in 2024. This scale is enough to produce batteries for approximately 1,000 motorsport and high-performance electric vehicles.

BASF is contributing to the circular economy through collaboration with its partners. Since 2022, BASF has aimed for the lowest carbon footprint across the supply chain at its cathode active material precursor production facility in Harjavalta, Finland, and its cathode active material production facility in Schwarzheide, Germany. Through responsible and reliable raw material sourcing, BASF plans to produce highly sustainable battery materials. In the future, production waste from Cellforce Group’s battery factory will be recycled at BASF’s battery recycling pilot plant located in Schwarzheide, Germany. Lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese will be recycled during the hydrometallurgical process and reused in BASF’s cathode active material production process.

Dr. Markus Kamieth, a member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors, stated, “Based on BASF’s strong R&D capabilities, we will provide cathode active materials tailored to Porsche’s requirements,” adding, “By reusing precious metals through battery recycling, we expect to reduce the carbon footprint of subsequent cathode materials by up to 60%.”

Michael Steiner, a member of the Board of Management for R&D at Porsche AG, said, “As an automobile manufacturer, Porsche aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, placing greater importance on reducing carbon footprints, recycling, and sustainability,” and added, “BASF is a European supplier of nickel and cobalt materials, ensuring stable supply and short transportation routes within Germany, which made this collaboration possible.”