Integrals Power secures UK government funding to scale LFP and LMFP cathode production to 1,000 tonnes/year

Integrals Power has secured funding from the UK government’s DRIVE35 Scale-up Feasibility Studies competition to advance its production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode active materials. The initiative, known as Project CATMAN, aims to scale manufacturing from the company’s current 20 tonnes per year pilot line to a 100 tonnes per year demonstration facility, ultimately preparing for a commercial production line capable of 1,000 tonnes annually. This development is part of the broader DRIVE35 programme, which is supported by the Department for Business and Trade, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, and Innovate UK, and aligns with the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan that allocates £4 billion for automotive research, development, and scale-up through to 2035. Integrals Power’s LMFP cathode chemistry is notable for its high manganese content—80%—which delivers approximately 20% greater energy density compared to traditional LFP cells, while maintaining the safety, cycle life, and cost benefits associated with LFP technology. Unlike nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistries, LMFP contains no cobalt or nickel, reducing reliance on these critical materials. Independent testing by QinetiQ has demonstrated impressive durability, with over 1,500 charge-discharge cycles at a 1C rate showing nearly 80% capacity retention. Additionally, cold temperature performance assessed by Cranfield University revealed that the material retains 85% capacity at -25°C and 68% at -30°C, outperforming existing LFP and LMFP benchmarks. The strategic importance of developing a domestic cathode supply chain is underscored by recent geopolitical and regulatory developments. Currently, almost all LFP and LMFP cathode production is concentrated in China, which introduced export restrictions on these materials and their manufacturing processes last year. From 2027, the EU’s Battery Passport regulations and UK-EU rules of origin will require that 65% of cell value and 70% of battery pack value originate within the UK or EU to avoid tariffs, making local production not just advantageous but essential for the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain. Behnam Hormozi, Founder and CEO of Integrals Power, highlighted the significance of the funding, emphasising that while the LMFP material has proven its performance through independent testing, the next critical step is demonstrating scalable manufacturing processes. He pointed to the UK’s opportunity to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for these strategically important cathode chemistries outside of China. The DRIVE35 funding is seen as a vital enabler for this ambition, positioning Integrals Power and the UK to meet growing demand for sustainable and secure battery materials in the electric vehicle market.