Summary
- GKN Hoeganaes collaborates with First Phosphate for North American supply chain for LFP batteries for EVs
- Partnership integrates First Phosphate’s magnetite into GKN’s Ancorsteel melting process
- First Phosphate plans to reach 400,000 tonnes of annual output by 2032 in Quebec facility
- GKN Hoeganaes ready to scale operations in Tennessee to supply the facility
- CEO of First Phosphate highlights partnership’s potential for robust North American battery ecosystem
Article
GKN Hoeganaes, a division of GKN Powder Metallurgy, is partnering with First Phosphate to establish a North American supply chain for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration comes after GKN integrated First Phosphate’s magnetite into its Ancorsteel melting process, resulting in a high-purity iron powder that serves as a precursor for LFP cathode active material (CAM) in the production of LFP batteries.
First Phosphate plans to incorporate GKN’s high-purity Ancorsteel into its upcoming iron phosphate precursor (FP pCAM) and lithium iron phosphate cathode active material (LFP CAM) production facility in Quebec, aiming to achieve an annual output of 400,000 tonnes by 2032. In response, GKN Hoeganaes is ready to scale its operations in Tennessee to supply the facility and offer its research and development facilities in New Jersey for process optimization and enhancement. This joint effort is expected to bolster the North American battery ecosystem.
John Passalacqua, CEO at First Phosphate, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it combines the company’s high-quality phosphate resources with GKN Hoeganaes’ expertise in iron powder production. The collaboration is anticipated to lay a solid foundation for a robust North American battery supply chain for EVs. By leveraging each company’s strengths and capabilities, they aim to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the electric vehicle market.
The integration of First Phosphate’s magnetite into GKN’s proprietary Ancorsteel melting process has paved the way for the production of high-purity iron powder that is crucial for the manufacturing of LFP batteries. By utilizing this innovative process, the companies are able to enhance the quality and efficiency of the precursor materials required for the production of LFP cathode active material. This advancement in material processing is essential for meeting the increasing demand for high-performance batteries in the EV industry.
With First Phosphate’s production facility in Quebec planned to reach significant annual output by 2032, GKN Hoeganaes is gearing up to support this growth through its operations in Tennessee and New Jersey. The collaboration between the two companies signifies a strategic move towards establishing a sustainable and reliable supply chain for LFP batteries in North America, aligning with the growing emphasis on electric vehicle adoption and sustainable energy solutions. By working together, they aim to drive innovation and efficiency in the production of lithium iron phosphate-based batteries.
Overall, the partnership between GKN Hoeganaes and First Phosphate represents a significant step forward in establishing a localized supply chain for LFP batteries in North America. By combining their resources, expertise, and technological capabilities, the companies are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-performance batteries in the EV market. The collaborative efforts undertaken by both parties are expected to contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation solutions and the broader adoption of electric vehicles for a more sustainable future.
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