CATL begins test production of battery cells in Debrecen

CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has commenced test production of battery cells at its facility in Debrecen, Hungary. The testing phase on the first two production lines is intended to optimize manufacturing processes and verify quality, safety, and stability standards before moving to full-scale serial production.

Once fully operational, the Debrecen complex is expected to reach an annual capacity of 100 GWh, making it CATL’s largest production base outside of China. The total project value is estimated at approximately €7.3 billion. While the site has already been assembling battery modules since late 2024, the transition to in-house cell production represents a significant technological and value-added milestone for the company’s European operations.

In addition to its European expansion, CATL is actively managing its capital in its home market through significant share buybacks. The company has recently invested hundreds of millions of RMB into repurchasing its own A-shares to demonstrate capital discipline.