LECLANCHE GMBH

Their core work

Leclanché is a German battery technology SME specializing in high-density lithium-ion and solid-state battery systems for transport and industrial applications. They develop and integrate advanced battery solutions for electric maritime vessels, automated guided vehicles, and next-generation solid-state chemistries. Their work spans from cell-level materials research (solid electrolytes, lithium metal anodes) to system-level deployment in real-world electric ferries and swappable container battery systems for waterborne transport.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Leclanché entered H2020 through electric maritime transport (E-ferry, 2015) and a Phase 1 SME feasibility study on high-density batteries for e-mobility (HDBAT, 2017). From 2020 onward, their focus shifted sharply toward advanced battery chemistry — solid-state electrolytes, lithium metal anodes, and battery modelling — while maintaining their maritime transport thread through Current Direct. The trajectory shows a company moving from battery system integration toward deeper involvement in next-generation cell chemistry R&D.

Leclanché is positioning itself at the intersection of advanced solid-state battery R&D and maritime electrification, likely aiming to bring next-generation cells into waterborne transport applications.

How they like to work

Leclanché operates predominantly as a participant (5 of 6 projects), contributing specialized battery expertise to larger consortia rather than leading them. Their single coordinator role was a small Phase 1 SME instrument (€50K), suggesting they use H2020 primarily to access research partnerships and validate technology rather than to manage large projects. With 58 unique partners across 18 countries, they are well-connected and comfortable working in diverse, multi-national teams.

Leclanché has built a broad European network of 58 unique consortium partners across 18 countries, indicating they are sought-after as a battery specialist by diverse project teams. Their partnerships span both maritime transport consortia and advanced materials research groups.

What sets them apart

Leclanché occupies a rare niche: they are one of few European SMEs with hands-on experience in both deployed electric maritime battery systems and laboratory-scale solid-state battery development. This dual capability — proven system integration plus advanced chemistry R&D — makes them a credible partner for projects that need to bridge the gap between materials research and real-world transport electrification. Their €4.8M in H2020 funding across 6 projects demonstrates sustained EU confidence in their technical contributions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Current Direct
  Largest single EU contribution (€2.15M) and most ambitious scope — developing swappable battery containers for waterborne transport with an Energy-as-a-Service model, running until 2026.
• E-ferry
  Early flagship involvement (€1.6M) in the full-scale demonstration of a 100% electrically powered ferry, proving Leclanché's battery integration capabilities in real maritime conditions.
• SOLiDIFY
  Focused on upscaling solid-state lithium metal battery materials and processes, representing their deepest commitment to next-generation cell chemistry.