The Volkswagen Group Components plant in Braunschweig, Germany, is significantly expanding its production of battery systems for the latest generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Following the first expansion stage with a maximum capacity of 250,000 battery systems a year, the second expansion stage has started up with the same capacity.

This means that once the site is fully ramped up it will be able to fit up to 500,000 batteries a year for models based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) — including the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, as well as the Skoda Enyaq iV.

Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said: “The strong demand for models based on the modular electric drive matrix has the lines of the first expansion stage working at full capacity, so we have fired up the second stage, thereby underpinning the Group’s unprecedented electric campaign.

“Volkswagen Group Components has taken on the management of the ‘Battery Cell and Battery System’ and ‘Charging and Energy’ business units within the Volkswagen Group, and plans to use its economies of scale and innovative power to develop optimum batteries and charging offers for Volkswagen customers.”

The Braunschweig plant has also received approval for expanding PHEV production capacities; while more than 50,000 hybrid battery systems a year are currently leaving the plant, as of 2023, this will be up to 300,000 battery systems.

In addition to the battery systems, Braunschweig also produces steering systems, brake discs, suspension struts, wheel bearing housings, wheel drives and subframes — plus front and rear axles.

Series production of MEB batteries takes place using largely fully automated production technology in a new manufacturing facility covering more than 40,000m² and costing in excess of 300 million euros. Production of the battery housing uses the latest welding, adhesive and sealing techniques. The development of the battery system, including its hardware and software, also took place at the Braunschweig site.