Production started at CATL factory

Written by Christina Vontin

The Chinese battery manufacturer has started production in Debrecen.

As Jason Chen, Head of CATL Europe, announced at a Hungarian trade conference, the company began assembling battery modules in a rented commercial property in Debrecen back in September. This means that the world’s largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries has started production in Hungary. Péter Kaderják, President of the Hungarian Battery Association, described the reduction of costs to a more competitive level, appropriate regulation, sustainability and the issue of recycling as the key challenges for battery production.

Important role of Asians

HIPA CEO István Joó pointed out the importance of cooperation between European and Asian manufacturers for the development of the industry and criticised the EU’s punitive tariffs on Chinese electric cars. Thore Sekkenes from the European Battery Alliance (EBA) emphasised that the green transition in the industry is unavoidable despite the current slump. He sees challenges in securing more raw materials, skilled labour, technology and affordable energy.

In his presentation, Jason Chen, Director for CATL Europe, emphasised the effects of climate change, which are making the energy transition increasingly urgent. Regarding the factory in Debrecen, he explained that the roof has already been put on the building and the installation of external utilities and internal mechanical equipment has also begun. Everything is going according to plan.