Škoda has inaugurated a new 55,000m² battery systems assembly hall at its plant in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic, investing €205m (US$237.5m) to expand production. The facility makes Škoda the largest producer of BEV battery systems within the Volkswagen Group and the first Volkswagen Group site in Europe to manufacture cell-to-pack battery systems for high-volume electric vehicles. With a daily output of over 1,100 battery systems and annual capacity of up to 335,000 units, the site is expected to accelerate technology rollout in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group Technology Center of Excellence – Battery.
“With this investment, Škoda becomes the largest producer of BEV battery systems within the Volkswagen Group and a central pillar of our electrification strategy. The plant in Mladá Boleslav operates at true industrial scale and reinforces the European battery value chain. Škoda’s expertise, efficiency and unique spirit make it a key driver of our brand group core transformation,” said Thomas Schäfer, the Volkswagen Brand CEO.
By fully insourcing the cell-to-pack process, using standardized cells and adopting LFP chemistry, Škoda says it has reduced battery costs by around 30% compared with current MEB platform batteries. The production hall operates with a 60-second cycle time, 84% automation and 131 robots, and also functions as a competence center, covering the full process from cell handling to final assembly.
“This marks a major milestone for Škoda Auto and our commitment to decarbonizing the entire value chain,” added Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto. “Reducing emissions goes far beyond the vehicle itself – it includes sourcing, production and energy use. With the opening of our new battery system assembly line, we are localizing battery production at scale, strengthening a more resilient and competitive European value chain, and making electric mobility more accessible. As part of the Brand Group Core, we are proud to contribute our industrial strength and expertise to a powerful alliance of volume brands shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
“We are grateful to the Volkswagen Group for the trust placed in us to deliver up to 335,000 battery systems annually for electrified drivetrains across the group. At the same time, we are doubling our Škoda BEV portfolio and transitioning our sites to greener energy, including converting our central power plant from coal to biomass, which will reduce emissions by around 274,000 metric tons of C02 by 2027. By building expertise in high-volume battery production and accelerating electrification, we are taking responsibility, contributing to a sustainable future for Škoda Auto, the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole.”
In related news, CamMotive opens high-current battery testing facility in Cambridge