Morrow, Proventia Collaborate on European-Made LFP Battery Packs

Battery packs using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells offer significant benefits for heavy-duty machinery. Known for their longer cycle life, safety, cost-efficiency, and ability to perform in extreme conditions, LFP batteries are ideal for industries requiring high power and reliability. Their long lifespan and eco-friendly composition further enhance their appeal in applications like construction, mining, and other demanding sectors.

As the heavy-duty machinery market shifts towards electrification, partnerships focused on LFP battery development are becoming increasingly vital. This shift is supported by industry trends highlighted in recent reports, showing a clear trajectory toward the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and off-highway machinery. According to the 2023 Volta Foundation battery report, sectors like construction, mining, quarrying, materials handling, and agriculture account for most non-road machinery globally, with around 4.4M units in 2023.

These HDVs often house batteries exceeding 100 kWh and require high-cycle-life chemistries to support energy recovery and prolonged usage. According to Volta, the number of HDV models available globally has increased by 50% between 2021 and 2023, reflecting the growing trend toward electrification.

Related:How Toshiba's SCiB Batteries are Transforming Heavy-Duty Applications

HDV Trends By Type Of Vehicle. Courtesy of Volta Foundation.

Morrow and Proventia collaborate to advance European battery technology

To capitalize on this trend, Morrow Batteries (Morrow) has signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate with Proventia, a Finnish tech company, to develop lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs for heavy-duty machinery. This collaboration aims to address these high-demand sectors' energy and durability needs by leveraging LFP technology, which is well-suited for long-lasting, safe, and cost-efficient battery solutions.

Jari Lotvonen, CEO of Proventia, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “At Proventia, we are investing in the green transition of heavy-duty machinery in many ways. We have emission control systems that effectively reduce the emissions from the machines, and we enable electrification with our battery solutions. I believe the two Nordic companies are well-positioned to develop high-performance LFP battery systems suitable for heavy-duty machinery electrification.

Proventia battery pack. Courtesy of Morrow Batteries.

Lotvonen also pointed to the potential for future advancements, noting, “The LFP packs we are developing today around the Morrow LFP cells will also be available with LNMO-X chemistry.” While Morrow CEO Lars Christian Bacher emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “We look forward to developing battery cells that help Proventia meet its requirements for European-sourced battery technology. This collaboration gives us a new business area to work with.”

Related:Why LFP Battery Chemistry Is Superior for Electric Yard Trucks

The companies plan to supply pilot systems to customers by 2025, with serial deliveries starting in 2026. Morrow has already produced thousands of cells at its Customer Qualification Line and shipped LFP samples for testing. Proventia, which currently uses lithium-titanate-oxide (LTO) batteries, plans to expand its portfolio by integrating LFP and LNMO-X technologies.

The electrification of HDVs is experiencing rapid growth, and LFP batteries have the potential to offer the durability, safety, and cost-efficiency required to power these energy-intensive machines. Additionally, with Europe's focus on sustainable and locally sourced technologies, developing European-made LFP batteries will play a key role in meeting regulatory demands and market needs. Partnerships like the one between Morrow Batteries and Proventia will be instrumental in accelerating this transition, ensuring a reliable supply of competitive, European-sourced battery technology for the heavy-duty electrification movement.