Northvolt has announced the relocation of its lithium metal battery technology development from California to its Northvolt Labs R&D campus in Västerås, Sweden. This move aims to consolidate research and industrialization of its battery technology in a single location for greater efficiency.
As part of this strategic shift, Northvolt will shut down its Californian subsidiary, Cuberg, which was acquired in 2021 with the intention of advancing lithium metal battery technology. The closure will result in the layoff of all 200 employees at Cuberg. This decision follows a strategic review by Northvolt in response to recent setbacks, including production delays and the cancellation of a significant two-billion-euro order from BMW.
Northvolt is also reassessing its expansion strategy, which may lead to delays or cancellations of planned projects in Sweden, Germany, and Canada. According to Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson, the company’s current priority is to get the Swedish battery factory in Skellefteå operational.
The consolidation of R&D efforts in Sweden is expected to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of Northvolt’s battery portfolio development.
