BASF selected as cell development partner by Cellforce

BASF has been selected by Cellforce Group as the cell development partner, marking an important step toward developing high-performance battery cells for Porsche. The collaboration focuses on advancing battery technology for both road-going electric vehicles and motorsport applications.

Cellforce Group, based in Tübingen, Germany, specializes in developing and producing high-performance lithium-ion battery cells tailored for Porsche. Production is scheduled to begin in 2024 with an initial annual capacity of at least 100 megawatt-hours. At this scale, the facility is expected to supply batteries for approximately 1,000 high-performance electric vehicles and racing cars each year.

BASF’s Role in Advanced Battery Cell Chemistry

As part of the partnership, BASF will contribute high-energy HED NCM cathode materials, which are critical for achieving the performance, durability, and energy density required by Porsche’s electric and motorsport vehicles. These cathode materials are designed to support high power output while maintaining stability under demanding driving conditions.

According to BASF, the cathode active materials will be specifically engineered to meet Porsche’s technical requirements. This customization leverages BASF’s extensive research and development capabilities in battery chemistry and materials science. The focus is not only on performance, but also on long-term efficiency and sustainability across the battery lifecycle.

A European Battery Supply Chain with Sustainability at the Core

One of the defining aspects of this partnership is its strong emphasis on a localized and sustainable European supply chain. The precursor materials for the cathodes will be produced at BASF’s facility in Harjavalta, Finland. The finished cathode active materials will then be manufactured at BASF’s plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, which began operations for battery materials production in 2022.

BASF has stated that this supply chain is expected to achieve an outstanding sustainability profile. This includes responsible raw material sourcing, reliable European supply routes, and significantly reduced transportation distances. By keeping production and processing within Europe, the partnership improves supply security while lowering the environmental impact associated with long-distance logistics.

Supporting Porsche’s Carbon Neutrality Goals

Porsche has made clear commitments toward reducing its environmental footprint. The company aims to achieve CO₂ neutrality across its overall balance sheet by 2030. Battery development plays a central role in this strategy, particularly as Porsche expands its electric vehicle lineup and invests in electrified motorsport.

According to Porsche’s leadership, low carbon emissions, closed-loop recycling, and sustainable production processes are becoming increasingly important in battery technology decisions. The collaboration with BASF aligns with these goals by prioritizing low-CO₂ materials, European sourcing of critical metals such as nickel and cobalt, and efficient transport routes between production sites.

Short distances between BASF’s Schwarzheide facility and Porsche’s operations in Baden-Württemberg were also a key factor in selecting BASF as a partner, helping reduce emissions while improving logistical efficiency.

Battery Recycling and Closed-Loop Material Recovery

A major component of the partnership involves battery recycling. BASF will recycle production waste generated during Cellforce’s battery manufacturing process at the Schwarzheide prototype plant. This recycling effort uses a hydrometallurgical process to recover valuable battery materials, including lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt.

These recovered materials meet battery-grade quality standards and are reintroduced directly into the cathode material production process at Schwarzheide. By closing the material loop, BASF aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with battery manufacturing.

BASF estimates that its recycling approach can reduce the CO₂ footprint of cathode materials by up to 60 percent when compared to conventional production methods that rely solely on newly mined raw materials.

Why This Partnership Matters for the Battery Industry

The collaboration between BASF, Cellforce, and Porsche highlights several important trends shaping the future of battery technology. High-performance electric vehicles require batteries that deliver not only energy density but also reliability, thermal stability, and long service life. Achieving these characteristics demands close cooperation between automakers, cell developers, and materials specialists.

At the same time, sustainability has become a non-negotiable requirement. European battery supply chains are increasingly focused on reducing emissions, improving transparency, and securing critical raw materials within regional markets. This partnership reflects a broader shift toward localized production, advanced recycling, and circular economy principles in the battery industry.

Final Thoughts

BASF’s selection as Cellforce’s cell development partner represents more than a supplier agreement. It signals a strategic alignment between materials innovation, high-performance battery development, and long-term sustainability goals. By combining advanced cathode chemistry, European production infrastructure, and closed-loop recycling, the partnership sets a strong example for how next-generation battery ecosystems can be built.

As electric mobility continues to evolve, collaborations like this will play a key role in delivering batteries that meet the demands of performance-driven vehicles while supporting climate targets and responsible manufacturing practices.

At LINIOTECH, these developments reinforce the importance of responsible material sourcing, battery efficiency, and circular manufacturing practices. As electric mobility and energy storage technologies continue to evolve, LINIOTECH closely follows and aligns with industry-leading advancements that shape the future of sustainable battery systems.

FAQs

Why did Cellforce select BASF as its cell development partner?

Cellforce Group selected BASF because of its advanced expertise in high-energy cathode materials, strong research and development capabilities, and its ability to support a localized European battery supply chain. BASF’s focus on sustainability and recycling also aligned closely with Cellforce’s and Porsche’s long-term goals.

What type of batteries are being developed through this partnership?

The partnership focuses on high-performance lithium-ion battery cells designed for both road-going electric vehicles and motorsport applications. These batteries prioritize high energy density, power output, and thermal stability to meet the demanding performance standards required by Porsche.

Where will the battery materials be produced?

The precursor materials for the cathodes will be produced at BASF’s facility in Harjavalta, Finland, while the cathode active materials will be manufactured at BASF’s plant in Schwarzheide, Germany. This European production network reduces transport distances, improves supply security, and lowers the overall carbon footprint.

How does battery recycling fit into this collaboration?

BASF will recycle production waste from Cellforce’s battery manufacturing using a hydrometallurgical process. Valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt are recovered in battery-grade quality and reused directly in new cathode material production, supporting a closed-loop recycling model.

Why is sustainability such a key focus in this battery project?

Sustainability is central because Porsche aims to achieve CO₂ neutrality across its overall operations by 2030. By using low-carbon materials, European sourcing of critical metals, and closed-loop recycling, the partnership significantly reduces emissions while maintaining high performance and supply chain reliability.