Gotion High-tech's factory in Germany, situated in Göttingen, has commenced production, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese lithium battery manufacturer. This factory, Gotion's first in Europe, began operations after the company's acquisition of the facility two years ago. The first locally-produced battery pack rolled off the assembly line on September 16.
Key points about Gotion's German battery plant:
- Localized Production: With this factory, Gotion has achieved localized production and supply in Europe, allowing its batteries to be officially labeled as "Made in Germany."
- Capacity: The plant's total planned capacity is 20 GWh, to be completed in four phases. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate an annual output of 2 billion euros.
- Production Schedule: The plant has already received a significant number of European orders and aims to supply European customers starting in October. The actual capacity is projected to reach 5 GWh by mid-2024.
- Applications: Battery pack products from the Göttingen plant will be used in commercial vehicles, energy storage systems, and passenger cars. The facility will also serve as a research and development center, logistics hub, and after-sales service point for Gotion's European operations.
- Acquisition: Gotion acquired the Göttingen plant from the Bosch Group in 2021 for its first production operation in Europe. The plant, which covers over 170,000 square meters of land, was built in 1960.
- Deepening Cooperation: The commissioning of the plant signifies strengthened cooperation between Germany's Lower Saxony and China's Anhui province. Both regions have a long history of collaboration, with Lower Saxony Governor Stephan Weil highlighting the importance of batteries as core components of electric vehicles.
- Volkswagen Backing: Gotion is backed by Volkswagen, one of the world's leading automotive giants. Volkswagen China increased its stake in Gotion to 26.47 percent in December 2021, making it the largest shareholder in the Chinese battery maker.
This development reflects the growing significance of battery production for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, particularly in Europe. By establishing local production capabilities, Gotion aims to meet the rising demand for electric vehicle batteries in the European market while contributing to the region's green transition.