Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) said it has started testing its P1 Goliath electric vehicle prototype batteries keeping it on track to produce a minimum viable product (MVP) next year and unlocking future licensing opportunities.
This testing was part of a customer-sponsored programme, following successful production and in-house evaluations.
Chief executive Graham Purdy hailed it as "another successful milestone" for the business.
Last November, Ilika achieved its D4 development milestone, a critical step in the Goliath roadmap, leading to the P1 prototype.
The update features a solid-state pouch cell with an NMC cathode and a silicon anode and is a precursor to the MVP.
Ilika confirmed it has manufactured and tested batches of P1 cells and has now initiated a customer-designed test programme. This marks the beginning of several commercial engagements with automotive manufacturers (OEMS) and Tier 1 companies.
"Ilika has successfully delivered another milestone on its Goliath roadmap. We are delighted to be engaging with a portfolio of interested OEMs and Tier 1 companies on commercially sponsored evaluation programmes.
CEO Purdy said: "We continue to progress towards commercialisation as planned and remain on track to demonstrate our Goliath technology at pilot scale to underpin licensing discussions and technology transfer.
"Our near-term focus is on increasing battery testing capacity and upgrading our dry rooms, with development strongly aligned to the market growth and structural drivers within the EV sector."