CATL begins trial battery cell production at Hungary plant

CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, has commenced trial production of battery cells at its new facility in Debrecen, Hungary. The trial phase began on September 22, 2026, focusing on the first two production lines to optimize equipment and validate manufacturing processes before full-scale series production begins.

The Debrecen plant is a major strategic investment, designed to eventually reach an annual capacity of 100 GWh, making it CATL’s largest production base outside of China. The facility aims to integrate more deeply into the European electric mobility supply chain, providing local battery cells to major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Stellantis.

The commencement of trial operations follows the acquisition of necessary regulatory permits, including an occupancy permit in August 2026 and compliance with Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) requirements. Local authorities conducted inspections to ensure that previous environmental and safety concerns raised by residents were fully addressed. While the plant has been producing battery modules since autumn 2024, the shift to cell manufacturing represents a significant step in bringing more of the battery value chain to Europe.