Northvolt to shift R&D from California to Sweden

STOCKHOLM: Battery maker Northvolt will consolidate and shift development of lithium-metal battery technology to its R&D hub in Vasteras, Sweden, from California, the company said today.

The decision comes as the company is engaged in a strategic review to refocus its expansion plans after experiencing a series of setbacks such as production delays and a customer canceling an 2 billion euro order.

"The transfer reflects a strategic move to consolidate the R&D and industrialisation of Northvolt's cell product portfolio ... into one location," it said in a statement.

Northvolt acquired California battery technology company Cuberg in 2021, a 25-staffer operation that has since grown to over 200 and focused on developing lithium-metal battery technology.

Northvolt said it had encouraged workers at the unit to apply to open positions in other arms of Northvolt as part of the shift.