Volkswagen to start mass battery cell production in Salzgitter

Volkswagen plans to launch mass production of battery cells at its new facility in Salzgitter, Germany, starting in mid-September. The plant, which cost approximately 2 billion euros, will operate 24/7 to meet production targets.

Frank Blome, head of VW's battery division PowerCo, stated that the company aims to produce at least one million battery cells by the end of the year. This volume is expected to support the production of roughly 10,000 electric vehicles, specifically new small electric car models manufactured in Spain.

The Salzgitter plant represents Volkswagen's first in-house battery cell factory, a strategic move intended to reduce reliance on Asian suppliers such as CATL and BYD. The company is also developing additional battery plants in Spain and Canada to secure its global supply chain. Blome emphasized that Volkswagen's long-term goal is to achieve technological leadership by developing products that outperform current market standards.