Volkswagen starts battery cell development and production

A pilot line for small-series battery cell production has opened at the Volkswagen Center of Excellence in Salzgitter as part of Volkswagen's manufacturing strategy for electric mobility.

Some 300 experts are involved in developing, testing and piloting innovative manufacturing technologies for the production of lithium-ion batteries.

As a first step, Volkswagen is investing over $151 million in amassing its own development and production know-how.

Volkswagen also plans to invest a further $1.36 billion in joint battery activities with the Swedish battery producer Northvolt.

Construction of a 16GWh battery cell factory in Salzgitter is to start in 2020, while production at the facility is planned to commence by early 2024. The joint venture with Northvolt is expected to create an additional 700 medium-term jobs at the facility.

The new facility will also spearhead battery cell development in areas ranging from increasing capacity, reducing the use of scarce raw materials and optimising sustainable manufacturing processes through to recycling battery systems. A battery recycling pilot line is also under construction in Salzgitter and is slated to begin operating in 2020.