Umicore and Evonik plan to supply Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Umicore and Evonik Group subsidiary Evonik Litarion GmbH have formed a business relationship to supply lithium-ion cathode materials. Evonik has selected Umicore as the supplier of cathode materials for large-format Li-ion batteries that are used in electric vehicles and in energy storage systems for stationary applications. Evonik manufactures battery cell components for the batteries. Umicore's Cellcore MX, a Li-ion NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) cathode material, can help improve power, energy, safety and battery cycle life in electric vehicles, the company says. “Through its materials know-how, extensive production capacity, sustainable sourcing and manufacturing process, Umicore serves for us as an ideal partner for our business,” said Dr Henrik Hahn, spokesman of the board of management of Evonik Litarion GmbH. According toDr Kurt Vandeputte, senior business director for Umicore's rechargeable battery materials business unit: “We are delighted to be selected by a major producer in the emerging European market for large-format lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. This is a strong signal of recognition for our expertise, and it reinforces our long-term commitment towards Li-ion technology as an enabler for electrified transportation.”