UK-based battery startup Echion Technologies and Brazilian niobium specialist CBMM have inaugurated a groundbreaking plant in Araxá, Brazil, set to mass-produce Echion’s proprietary ultra-fast charging niobium anode material, XNO. The facility, touted as the “world’s largest niobium-based anode production facility,” aims to deliver innovative battery solutions for heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs).
The plant, with an annual production capacity of 2,000 tons of XNO, can supply lithium-ion cells with a total energy capacity of 1 GWh. Jean de La Verpilliere, CEO of Echion Technologies, called the plant’s opening a “major milestone” for the company. “XNO is already positively impacting our manufacturing customers and end-users. This production capacity positions us to meet the significant commercial demand for XNO and scale our operations,” de La Verpilliere stated during the opening event.
XNO, a niobium-based anode material, is engineered to enable ultra-fast charging while maintaining high energy densities and performance over a life cycle exceeding 10,000 cycles. This technology is designed specifically for heavy-duty EVs, such as electric commercial vehicles and buses, where larger batteries can be installed without the space constraints of passenger vehicles.
Echion’s XNO anode technology is positioned as a viable alternative to lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries, which are known for their durability but limited energy density. “XNO bridges the gap by offering high power density and long service life, while maintaining a more favorable energy density for heavy-duty applications,” Echion highlighted.
Echion has also secured £10 million in funding from Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and BGF. The funding will support the accelerated production of XNO-enabled cells and help Echion expand into key markets by connecting cell manufacturers with industrial OEMs.
“This investment by Barclays and BGF is strong recognition of the value delivered by XNO,” de La Verpilliere remarked, emphasizing the technology’s role in the effective electrification of heavy-duty vehicles.
Barclays’ Steven Poulter praised Echion’s innovation: “Echion’s battery technology unlocks a long-awaited, economically viable means of decarbonizing heavy-duty vehicles. Fast-charging, high-power batteries with minimal deterioration over their lifecycle mark a transformative step for heavy-duty fleet electrification.”
With the Araxá facility operational and strategic investments secured, Echion aims to drive global adoption of sustainable, high-performance battery solutions for commercial EV markets.