Ilika plc (LON:IKA), the UK pioneer in solid state battery technology, has announced a £214k, 12-month joint development programme (the SELECT programme) supported by the Battery Innovation Programme to integrate its 10Ah Goliath prototypes into Brompton’s battery packs for its next generation of foldable e-bikes. The programme will commence on 1 July 2026 and will see production of the battery packs and on-bike trials, subject to technical milestone delivery, by mid-2027.
The UK has a recognised leadership position in premium bicycle manufacturing, with Brompton being both the largest bicycle and e-bike manufacturer in the UK and the largest UK exporter of bicycles. Brompton is globally regarded as a category leader in folding bikes, supported by strong brand equity, export reach, and a reputation for engineering quality.
The 10Ah Goliath cells are designed to offer increased energy density and enhanced cell safety features, potentially allowing Brompton to reduce the weight of its battery pack designs and to open more markets worldwide with the promise of quality and safety, offering a strong competitive advantage.
Demonstrating superior battery safety and quality control could be essential in addressing both China’s unique and highly stringent e-bike battery safety regulations, which could otherwise create a barrier for UK and European e-bike manufacturers to access Chinese markets and in Western markets, where increasing scrutiny of e-bike fire safety from insurers, local authorities, and transport operators poses an additional barrier for manufacturers.
Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika, said: “We are delighted to be working with iconic folding bike brand Brompton with the goal of enabling them to extend their market reach by aligning the safety credentials of our Goliath technology with Brompton’s uniquely UK premium brand, and also to have the opportunity to showcase yet another safety-dependant application for our Goliath technology”.
Yan Pugh-Jones, Engineering Director at Brompton said: “As pioneers in folding bicycles, we are excited to collaborate with Ilika, leaders in solid-state battery technology. Together, we share a commitment to developing safer e-bikes that deliver engaging performance while maintaining the light, compact folding design that defines Brompton. While we work with a global network of suppliers, we are always keen to foster UK-based partnerships, and this R&D project is a strong example of that commitment”.
