Gotion High-Tech, Volkswagen Group to team up on industrialized battery production

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 12, Gotion High-Tech and Volkswagen Group reached a strategic cooperation framework agreement to co-boost the industrialized production of battery cells at a Volkswagen-owned factory, according to Gotion High-Tech's press release.

Volkswagen, Gotion High-Tech signing agreement; photo credit: Gotion High-Tech

Under the agreement, both parties will make joint efforts to speed up the industrialized cell production at the Salzgitter site of Volkswagen Group Components. Gotion High-Tech will act as a technology provider for the factory layout, equipment arrangement, and manufacturing process. 

Besides, a new battery production center will be jointly built by the two sides on the basis of an existing Volkswagen-owned Center of Excellence Battery Cell, which includes extensive cell laboratories, a pilot line for cell production and a pilot plant for battery recycling.

Meanwhile, Hefei Gotion, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, inked an agreement with Volkswagen Group (China) to develop the first-generation unified cells that will be used in Volkswagen's mass-produced models. Gotion is the first developer obtaining this R&D contract.

Unveiled at the Volkswagen Power Day 2021 in March, the Volkswagen unified cell concept refers to a prismatic cell format adaptable to various chemical mixes and is compatible to all major upcoming innovations on both products and production process. The solution is scheduled to be introduced to vehicles from 2023 and cover 80% of Volkswagen Group's electric vehicle models by 2023.

Additionally, Gotion High-Tech will also become a certified supplier for Volkswagen Group in China, offering batteries to the Group's MEB platform-based products in the future.