Sunbelt to create on-site facility for battery maker

1 June 2022

Sunbelt Rentals has entered into a strategic partnership with Britishvolt, a battery cell technology specialist, under which it will provide an on-site hire facility for a project in Northumberland.

The move, part of Sunbelt’s ‘Our Planet’ ESG strategy, will help to reduce Britishvolt’s supply chain carbon footprint as it builds its first full-scale 38GWh battery gigaplant. 

The batteries are primarily for use in electric vehicles. However, the two companies will also work closely to support the development of heavy plant and equipment battery systems to help decarbonise the construction and equipment hire industries.

Andy Wright, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals UK, said: “There is an increasing market demand for alternative powered equipment to support our varied customer base across multiple sectors. This latest partnership is going to enable us to service that demand in the future.

“This is more than just a commercial collaboration, it’s an opportunity for us to support an important part of the future of renewable energy in the UK. We are looking forward to working with Britishvolt and delivering on our shared vision for a greener future.”

Britishvolt says that the Northumberland plant will eventually be able to produce enough cells for more than 300,000 electric vehicle lithium-ion battery packs per year.