Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com | LinkedIn | Twitter
The Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast announced on Friday the investment of tens of millions in ProLogium, a solid-state battery manufacturer. The announcement comes six months after ProLogium and the automaker Mercedes-Benz agreement with the first test vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries expected to be introduced in the coming years.
VinFast also entered into a memorandum of understanding with ProLogium setting out strategic cooperation arrangements to secure battery supplies and support the goal of expanding its smart mobility solutions globally becoming long-term strategic partners in the future. In addition, the companies added that may also establish a joint-venture solid-state battery factory in Vietnam.
The two companies will enter into commercial agreements to develop battery pack designs using Prologium’s proprietary solid-state battery technology, adhering to strict specifications on the parameters, quality, and safety for VinFast.
Under the strategic cooperation arrangements, ProLogium plans to provide solid-state battery cells to VinFast starting from 2024 to support its next generation line-up. ProLogium’s first major solid state battery plant, which is slated to launch in early 2023, will devote a significant portion of the facility’s production capacity to supply VinFast.
Solid-state batteries are among the most promising technologies to offer advantages in terms of safety, energy density, hyper fast-charging capability, recyclability, weight optimization, costs, and lifetime.
The partnership with ProLogium is an integral part of VinFast’s battery strategy. Through this strategic arrangement, VinFast aims to secure the battery supply with world’s leading technology, enhance control over the quantity and type of its battery supply to meet the needs of each VinFast EV line and the market’s demands for high-tech, high-performance, safe, and environmentally friendly batteries.
“VinFast has focused on investing and building strategic partnerships with leading companies in the industry and breakthrough technology companies to quickly grasp and apply technologies for smart and sustainable mobility solutions,” said Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman, and VinFast Global CEO. “ProLogium is one of our key partners, helping VinFast quickly master the supply of solid-state batteries while continuing to deliver EV products with advanced battery technology for a more enjoyable and safer driving experience.”
Recently, the company unveiled a partnership with the hologram leader Proto for the promotion of its VF8 & VF9 models in Canada. The Vietnamese EV maker will team with the award-winning company on the roadshow in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver with a showcase “as innovative as the cars it promotes,” VinFast said.
Earlier this year, VinFast also announced a partnership with Electrify America giving users access to the network of ultra-fast charging stations across the U.S. Delivering a convenient and seamless charging experience, Plug & Charge is an innovative technology that allows drivers of capable vehicles to pay for a charging session by simply plugging in their EV, the company said.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com | LinkedIn | Twitter