“Daimler to build global production compound for lithium-ion batteries”

German carmaker Daimler plans to invest more than one billion euros in a global battery production compound for its hybrid and electric vehicle fleet. About half the amount will be allotted to the company’s second battery factory to be constructed in the German town Kamenz. Thomas Weber, who is responsible for Daimler’s research, said in a press release: “Highly efficient battery systems are an important aspect of our strategy. They are an integral part of the vehicle architecture and not a ready-made product. The development, production and integration of those complex systems into our vehicles is one of our core competences.” The company has not yet said where other production capacities will be established. Daimler has built battery systems in its first factory in Kamenz since 2012, but CEO Dieter Zetsche earlier this year ruled out investing in cell production for electric cars in light of current global overproduction.

Read the press release in English here.

For background read the CLEW factsheet Reluctant Daimler plans “radical” push into new mobility world and the CLEW dossier The Energiewende and German carmakers.