CATL Starts Module Production in Hungary

Why this is here: Since Autumn 2024, CATL has already manufactured 240,000 battery modules in a rented hall in Debrecen, enough to power around 60,000 electric cars.

CATL began regular large-scale production of battery modules in Debrecen, Hungary. The company announced plans to build the factory in August 2022, intending to produce both battery cells and modules for European automakers with a total investment of 7.34 billion euros. Mercedes-Benz was named as an initial major customer, and reports suggest BMW may also be a client.

Currently, CATL is assembling modules with an annual capacity of 5 GWh. This output could power roughly 50,000 electric cars with large 100-kWh batteries or 125,000 smaller electric vehicles with 40-kWh batteries. However, the battery cells used in these modules are still sourced from other CATL factories.

Construction of the cell factory in Debrecen—planned for an initial capacity of 40 GWh—is complete, but awaits final approvals before test production can begin. CATL originally aimed for serial production to start in March or April, so the project is now several months behind schedule. The company plans to eventually expand the cell factory to 100 GWh.