AN electric vehicle battery technology maker has secured a long-term agreement it says will provide a gateway to new Asian markets.

Hyperdrive Innovation is working with Foxlink Automotive Technology.

The Sunderland-based company, which also develops and makes technology for energy storage systems, says the deal will see its modular battery pack made, sold and distributed across Asia.

Having already secured a global supply agreement to incorporate Sunderland car maker Nissan’s lithium-ion cells into its battery systems, the Foxlink partnership is a further boost to Hyperdrive’s growth plans with turnover expected to double this year thanks to a growing customer base.

Bosses say the Foxlink partnership gives Hyperdrive a presence outside of Europe for the first time, with Foxlink, based in Taiwan, setting up a manufacturing plant in the country to replicate Hyperdrive’s Wearside operations.

Foxlink will manufacture and distribute large volumes of its packs across the whole of Asia under the Hyperdrive brand.

Chris Pennison, Hyperdrive chief executive, said: “The support of such a major partner is a terrific endorsement. The agreement will give us a foothold in Asia and shows the North-East’s strength as a world-leader in battery technology.”

Lingo Lin, Foxlink general manager, added: “It’s our honour to be a business partner; we will go to market to grow and work to make society greener together.”