Volkswagen breaks ground on $20 billion battery unit’s first cell plant

Volkswagen AG broke ground on a new battery plant in Germany on Thursday, saying the factory marks the first step in an effort that will generate more than 20 billion euros ($20.4 billion) in revenue annually by the end of the decade.

By: Bloomberg
| Updated on: 07 Jul 2022, 19:24 PM
Follow us on:
Follow us on:
Volkswagen AG planned six battery plants for Europe. (REUTERS)
Volkswagen AG planned six battery plants for Europe.

Also Read : Volkswagen unveils new Amarok pickup truck with Ford DNA, promises nearly 300 hp

The Salzgitter venture is one of six battery plants VW has planned for Europe. PowerCo, the unit formed to oversee the carmaker’s global battery business, is expected to invest more than 20 billion euros in five of the factories by 2030, creating roughly 20,000 jobs in Europe, according to a statement.

Automakers from VW to General Motors Co. are exploring different business models as they race to electrify their lineups and catch Tesla Inc., the world’s top seller of electric vehicles. They’re forging partnerships with battery cell makers and mining companies as they try to secure materials and know-how.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Volkswagen Taigun (HT Auto photo)
₹ 10.49 - 17.50 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Audi New A3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 39 - 45 Lakhs* *Expected Price
View Details
Porsche Macan (HT Auto photo)
1984 cc | Petrol | Automatic (Dual Clutch) | 12.35 kmpl
₹83.21 Lakhs - 1.36 Cr* Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Tesla Model S (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹70 Lakhs - 1 Cr* *Expected Price
View Details
Mahindra Bolero Neo (HT Auto photo)
₹ 8.48 - 10.99 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Toyota Urban Cruiser (HT Auto photo)
₹ 8.50 - 11.40 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers

Salzgitter is home to VW’s main motor factory, and last year the carmaker opened an $80 million facility there to research, develop and test EV batteries. Roughly 2 billion euros will be invested in the cell factory by 2026, where production is scheduled to begin in 2025. At full capacity, the plant will be able to produce 40 gigawatt-hours of cells per year, enough for roughly 500,000 EVs, according to the company.

“We hired very seasoned and experienced executives from the battery business," Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “We’re really gearing up to become one of the bigger battery-cell producers."

PowerCo will be overseen by the VW executives that have been leading the carmaker’s battery efforts: Frank Blome, head of VW’s battery cell and systems, will be the unit’s chief executive officer, while former Apple Inc. executive Soonho Ahn will serve as chief technical officer. The PowerCo team in Salzgitter will oversee activities including procurement, raw-materials processing, battery development and management of the planned plants.

First Published Date: 07 Jul 2022, 19:24 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
1% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Cool Aqua (7.5g)
Rs. 98 Rs. 99
70% OFF
VENO Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable (2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner)
Rs. 899 Rs. 2,999
65% OFF
Ambrane 38W Fast Car Charger with Dual Output, Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, Type-C & USB Port, Wide Compatibility for Smart Phones (RAAP C38 A, Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 999
4% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Musk After Smoke (7.5g)
Rs. 95 Rs. 99

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.