Battery maker Northvolt to transfer research and development from California to Sweden By Reuters

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Battery maker Northvolt will consolidate and move the development of lithium-metal battery technology to its research and development center in Vasteras, Sweden, from California, the company said on Tuesday.

The decision comes as the company is engaged in a strategic review to refocus its expansion plans after suffering a series of setbacks such as production delays and a customer canceling a €2bn order.

“The transfer reflects a strategic move to consolidate the research and development and industrialization of Northvolt’s cellular product portfolio … in one location,” it said in a statement.

Northvolt acquired California-based battery technology company Cuberg in 2021, a 25-employee operation that has since grown to more than 200 and focused on developing lithium-metal battery technology.

Northvolt said it encouraged workers at the facility to apply for open positions in other Northvolt arms as part of the exchange.