FUCHS and E-Lyte open first electrolyte solutions plant in Germany

FUCHS, a global leader in lubrication solutions, and E-Lyte Innovations GmbH have officially opened Germany’s first production plant for electrolyte solutions, located in Kaiserslautern. The state-of-the-art facility, with a production capacity of 20,000 tons per year, marks a significant step forward in the production of high-performance electrolytes for lithium-ion, sodium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors.

This groundbreaking plant will supply the rapidly growing European market with essential battery components, especially in the electric vehicle sector. E-Lyte has positioned itself as a key player in Europe’s battery industry, ensuring the continent’s energy storage systems are powered by locally produced materials.

FUCHS, which acquired a 28% stake in E-Lyte in 2022, is leveraging its expertise in lubricants to enter the battery market. 

“With this cooperation, we wanted to break new ground in the field of new mobility,” says CEO Stefan Fuchs, explaining his company’s motives for the strategic partnership. “With E-Lyte, we have expanded our field of expertise and entered the battery market – a new area outside of traditional lubricants. With our expertise in the field of lubricants and functional fluids, we can now cover the entire demand along the life cycle of a battery.”

In addition to the plant’s advanced technology, it operates with sustainability in mind, using fewer solvents in production, reducing waste, and lowering overall environmental impact. The project was supported by the German Environmental Innovation Programme, highlighting its eco-friendly credentials.

E-Lyte’s rapid rise from a German startup to a prominent European player was further recognised by its nomination as a finalist in the “Rising Star” category for the German Entrepreneur Award.