Acquisition of the tech centre in Germany expedites EAM’s plans to establish an LFP cathode manufacturing plant in India, Asia’s first outside of China
MUMBAI, NFAPost: Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) finalized the acquisition of a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cathode active material technology centre in Moosburg, Germany, making it the first global company capable of providing manufacturers with both cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
With the purchase, EAM is poised to make India the first country in Asia outside of China to manufacture LFP cathode materials. EAM is scheduled to break ground on its facility in India in 2024 to build a large-scale customer qualification plant in 2025, which will scale up to 100,000 tons by 2030.
“This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the evolving EV battery market,” said Vikram Handa, Managing Director of EAM. “The advanced technology centre in Moosburg strategically positions us to lead the industry in cathode material manufacturing.”
Acquiring the cathode active material technology centre from Johnson Matthey solidifies EAM’s position as a global EV battery materials provider, with the potential to reshape the landscape of electric mobility by reducing the battery market’s reliance on China. Approximately 70% of cathode materials, and 100% of LFP cathode, for lithium-ion batteries are currently produced in China.
Epsilon Advanced Materials previously announced an INR 9,000 Crore investment for the establishment of an anode battery materials manufacturing facility in Bellari, Karnataka, India. EAM also plans to build a $650 million graphite anode material manufacturing facility in Brunswick County, North Carolina, U.S. and is investing Euro 600 to develop a graphite processing facility in Vaasa, Finland.
“We are proud to announce that EAM is now ready to go to market with a proven high-performance cathode active material, marking a significant leap forward in our capabilities,” said EAM, CEO, Sunit Kapur. “Integrating the cathode expertise from the Moosburg technology centre with our anode business uniquely positions us to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers, delivering anode and cathode to empower them to optimize the performance of their batteries.”
Battery manufacturers are increasingly transitioning to LFP cathode, which has a longer life span, offers improved discharge and charge efficiency, provides better performance in higher temperatures and is less expensive compared to other cathode materials, such as nickel and cobalt, it also is maintenance-free, extremely safe and lightweight.
The Moosburg facility greatly reduces EAM’s technology development and scale-up timeframe. The centre is equipped to produce LFP and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode in small laboratory-scale batches to up pilot-scale material. It features a versatile pilot customer qualification plant designed to validate new materials and utilizes a Hydrothermal process that provides a cleaner metal processing solution, which results in a more environmentally friendly battery-metals supply chain.
About Epsilon Advanced Materials
Epsilon Advanced Materials is at the forefront of battery material solutions, producing high-calibre, innovative, and environmentally conscious lithium-ion battery (LiB) materials. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mumbai, Epsilon’s mission resonates with supporting the global battery industry’s transition to clean and green energy. With a significant presence spanning Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, Epsilon continues to set industry benchmarks. https://www.epsilonam.com/
