OREANDA-NEWS. Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange: LECN), specialized in the production of large-format lithium-ion cells and energy storage solutions and Litarion GmbH, formerly Evonik-Litarion GmbH and now a subsidiary of Electrovaya Inc. (TSX: EFL) specialized in the research, development, and manufacturing of high performance electrodes, and in particular graphite and NMC based electrodes, today announce that they have entered into a supply agreement for the manufacturing and the commercialization of Lithium ion storage systems incorporating electrodes from Litarion. The two companies will build on the extensive experience that Litarion has gained in the manufacturing of electrodes over the last 10 years and on the strong cell production knowhow and capability that Leclanché has implemented at its German subsidiary located in Willstaett.

This agreement is the result of several months of joint collaboration and sees two of Europe's largest lithium ion production capacities increasing their collaboration.

Pierre Blanc, Leclanché's Chief Technical and Industrial Officer commented: "I am delighted that we have concluded this agreement with Litarion GmbH, whose electrode development and production capability is world class. Through this agreement two of Europe's largest lithium ion manufacturing capabilities are tightening their relationship to offer the market leading electrochemical storage systems. The combination of Litarion's capabilities in electrode manufacturing, and Leclanché's state of the art cell manufacturing using our proprietary manufacturing and separator technology have resulted in lithium ion cells with outstanding performance. Through this agreement we further secure this collaboration."

André Mecklenburg, Litarion's Chief Operational Officer commented: "The last six months has been a period of constant change at Litarion GmbH. Shifting from a one-hundred-percent supplier to the automotive industry, we are now focusing on the emerging market of energy storage systems and industrial applications. We are extremely happy having this supply contract with Leclanché, fitting excellently in our new core field of business. We are confident that the combination of our high performance electrodes together with Leclanché's outstanding cell assembly know-how will lead to joint commercial success."

About Leclanché
Leclanché's strategy is to become one of the leading lithium-ion cell producers and solution providers for energy storage systems in Europe. Its strategic priorities are to develop and market energy storage products for home, industrial and transport markets and grid applications and to grow its existing businesses of developing portable energy storage systems for military, medical and industrial applications. It also includes providing a range of professional energy storage systems to a diversified customer base. Through participation in research consortia focusing on hybrid and E-mobility applications, Leclanché is positioned to take advantage of new market opportunities. Through a unique, patented ceramic separator technology and focus on lithium-titanate technology, Leclanché manufactures large-format lithium-ion cells, optimized for safety and cycle-life, in a fully automated production process. The newly installed production line will have an annual capacity of one million cells or 76 MWh using our Lithium Titanate technology and 150 MWh using the electrodes from Litarion. Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company evolved from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs more than 100 staff and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN). The company has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and production facilities in Willst?tt (Germany).

About Litarion GmbH

Litarion GmbH manufactures electrodes and ceramic separators for large-format, highly efficient lithium ion battery cells marketed under the brand names LITARION(R) and SEPARION(R), using the latest coating and process technologies. Mainly based on NMC cathodes, graphite anodes and SEPARION(R) (a benchmark in ceramic separator technology), Litarion offers tailor-made solutions for its customers. Litarion was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Evonik Industries AG, supplying components for Lithium Ion cells and batteries mainly for the automotive industry. Litarion in April 2015 became a 100% subsidiary of Electrovaya Inc., a public companylisted in the Toronto Stock Exchange (EFL:TO). Litarion GmbH is now focusing on components for Energy storage and industrial applications battery systems in addition to its existing automotive business. Litarion has more than 150 employees and an annual production capacity of 500 MWh (anode, cathode and separator). The company has its headquarters and production facilities in Kamenz/Saxony (Germany) and is TS 16949 certified.