Škoda Auto has produced its one-millionth battery system at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The automotive manufacturer has been making high voltage traction batteries since 2019, when it launched battery production for the Superb iV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Currently, the company is focused exclusively on producing larger batteries for fully electric vehicles (EVs) based on the MEB platform; two assembly lines achieve a combined daily output of 1,500 units. These batteries, with capacities ranging from 55 to 91kWh (net capacity 52 to 86kWh), are installed in the Škoda Enyaq and Škoda Elroq as well as other Volkswagen Group brands, including VW, SEAT/CUPRA and Audi.
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for production and logistics, said: “Reaching the milestone of one million battery systems made by Škoda Auto for Volkswagen Group vehicles testifies to the dedication of our team and the close collaboration among the different brands. This achievement also highlights our commitment to sustainable mobility and our contribution to driving the industry’s transformation towards a greener future. With determination, we are now taking the next steps — construction of an additional battery system facility in Mladá Boleslav is already underway.”
Škoda Auto has been producing high-voltage battery systems since September 2019, when the assembly of traction batteries was launched for the plug-in hybrid Superb iV model. In May 2022, the Mladá Boleslav plant started manufacturing battery systems for all-electric vehicles based on the MEB platform. These systems are used in the Škoda Enyaq and the new SUV Elroq, as well as in VW, Audi, and SEAT/CUPRA models. The production milestone coincided with the launch of the Group’s e-mobility info hub 'Enter Electric!', offering technical details and providing customers with deeper insights into the benefits of electromobility. Currently, Škoda Auto focuses exclusively on producing MEB systems in Mladá Boleslav.
Second assembly lineIn 2023, the production facilities in Mladá Boleslav were expanded with a second assembly line, increasing the total daily capacity to 1,500 battery systems. Škoda Auto is also investing significantly in the necessary transformation of its operations, such as digitalising its organisational processes and further employee training. To date, the company has successfully upskilled over 28,000 employees to meet the demands of electromobility.
Each shift involves approximately 90 employees working in a production area of around 10,500m
2. In addition, 82 fully automated robots handle tasks such as managing particularly heavy components. One battery for MEB-based models is completed every 60sec. When unloaded from the production line, each battery weighs approximately 490kg. The lithium-ion batteries manufactured in Mladá Boleslav feature a modular design, enabling the production of a wide range of high-voltage batteries. These consist of 8 to 13 modules with 16 to 26 cells, providing a capacity of 55 to 91kWh.
In June this year, Škoda Auto opened a ‘state of the art’ facility to optimise the quality control process of the final assembled batteries. The unique system uses computed tomography (CT) technology, capable of capturing intricate internal details as small as 4µm. This technology provides highly detailed imaging of internal battery components, allowing potential irregularities in individual parts to be identified without dismantling the entire battery system. Moreover, the system can be used to examine cells that have already been in operation.