UK battery materials start-up ENV Energy has secured investment from Oxford Technology to develop a cobalt-free cathode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
The amount invested was not disclosed. Oxford Technology said its backing formed part of a multi-company funding programme supported through its latest Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and Enterprise Investment Scheme-qualifying funds.
ENV Energy was created at WMG at the University of Warwick and is reportedly its first spin-out company. It was founded by Professor Louis Piper, professor of battery innovation, Dr Paolo Melgari and Dr Beth Johnston.
The company’s technology arose from research that identified what it described as a previously unrecognised degradation mechanism in lithium-ion batteries. ENV said its proposed solution could enable the use of very high nickel-content cathodes without compromising durability or safety.
Technical details of the cathode chemistry have not yet been disclosed and are expected to remain confidential until the company’s patents are published. However, ENV said the material eliminates cobalt and is designed as a drop-in replacement for existing nickel manganese cobalt cathode materials, allowing manufacturers to adopt it without redesigning existing production infrastructure.
The company claims the technology could provide higher energy density, longer battery life and improved operational safety, alongside manufacturing and cost benefits. It is now producing large-format prototypes for demonstration testing.
ENV Energy’s previous support
ENV has previously received support through a Faraday Institution Sprint and Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Dr Matthew Ogley has joined the company as director, becoming its fourth co-founder and first full-time executive. He completed his PhD within Piper’s research group during the early stages of the work before leading the formation of ENV.
Lucius Cary, founder of Oxford Technology, said: “ENV Energy combines world-class battery science with a highly practical route to industrial adoption. The team has identified a critical challenge in lithium-ion performance and developed a solution with the potential to improve energy density, durability, manufacturing efficiency, and supply-chain resilience simultaneously. We are excited to support the company as it scales its technology and demonstrates its commercial impact.”
Piper added: “This is applied science with a direct commercial application, which addresses a fundamental limitation that has held back high-nickel cathodes for years. We are delighted to have Oxford Technology’s backing as we move into large-format demonstration and closer towards battery manufacturers and end-users.”
