Valhalla hybrid, due in 2024, signals Aston Martin’s electrification plans, but partner Britishvolt will help with all-electric model for 2025.
Aston Martin-Valhalla Hybrid Concept
Aston Martin’s legacy is packed with gorgeous, powerful sports cars with classic British style, but even the most legendary automakers must evolve to survive.
Today, Aston announces an agreement to partner with Britishvolt, a UK firm focused on battery development and electrification. The two will work to develop new EVs and battery tech in preparation for Aston Martin’s shift to EVs in the coming years.
A Britishvolt spokesperson confirms the company is in active discussions with nearly 30 automotive brands, but can only discuss its commitments with Lotus and Aston Martin. Going forward, Britishvolt says it expects to announce more contracts with other automakers in coming weeks and months.
Teams from Aston Martin and Britishvolt will work together to design and develop new battery packs. The pair will focus on cylindrical battery cells, similar to the type used by EV range leaders Tesla and Lucid.
After Lotus, Aston Martin is Britishvolt’s second automaker customer; talks ensue with others.
Britishvolt
Aston’s partnership with Britishvolt comes as it plans to release its first plug-in hybrid supercar, Valhalla, due in 2024, and its first EV in 2025. By 2026, Aston Martin says all new products will be available with an EV option, and the storied British sportscar maker says its core product line will be fully electrified by 2030.
The partnership announcement will complement Aston’s existing partnership with Mercedes-Benz, on board to help develop new technologies.
The Britishvolt deal is necessary for Aston Martin, as the development of batteries and other EV tech can be devastatingly expensive and complex for boutique, low-volume automakers.
The partnership will push Aston forward in EVs, similar to the way its partnership with Mercedes has done for its internal-combustion engines. Aston Martin has used Mercedes-AMG engines for years, and in 2020 it announced it would receive bespoke engines from AMG instead of the off-the-shelf units it previously used.
Keyword: Aston Martin Has Deal to Develop New EVs and Battery Tech