Tag: battery cell and gigafactories

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UK vehicle production slips behind global leaders as China and North America accelerate EV manufacturing, trade alignment and industrial policy

AMS explores why the structural forces behind Britain’s vehicle production are in decline, contrasting it with the strategic clarity and industrial momentum driving EV investment across North America, and preeminently.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

UK automotive production hits lowest April level since 1952 as exports falter and policy uncertainty clouds EV transition

UK car and commercial vehicle production fell sharply in April, marking the worst start to a year since 2009. As exports decline and policy uncertainty looms, the industry calls for urgent action to restore competitiveness and support the EV transition.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico & Canada take effect, China import tax rises to 20%

Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada have officially taken effect, along with an additional 10% increase on Chinese goods, raising the total import tax to 20%.

AMS Editorial

Evolution of EV platforms: Innovations in design, manufacturing, and scalability

Electric vehicle architectures must be adaptable, scalable, and cost-effective, but evolving battery technologies, crash protection, and manufacturing processes add complexity. While the skateboard design has become standard, innovations like gigacasting and hybrid adaptability are reshaping the industry. Automakers are racing to refine EV platforms, balancing speed to market with efficiency and safety in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Nick Holt

Anushka Dixit

Coventry and Warwick Gigapark aims to transform UK EV battery production amid competition and policy pressure

The Coventry and Warwick Gigapark seeks to anchor the UK’s position in Electric Vehicle (EV) battery Production. With 5.7m sq.f of industrial space, incentives, and a central location, it’s a critical response to ZEV mandates and global competition.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico is driving global sustainability with solar power, water reuse, and AI-driven carbon reduction

BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility in Mexico exemplifies sustainability in action. From solar energy to water recycling and AI-driven efficiency, the plant demonstrates how local, effective green innovation can reshape automotive production on a global scale. Following a site visit, AMS delves into the facility’s world-leading sustainability intiatives. Ilkhan Ozsevim reports.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

2024 wrap up and 2025: EV batteries, gigafactories, sustainability and smart factories in auto manufacturing

Take a look back at AMS’ biggest stories in automotive manufacturing in 2024, and our predictions for 2025 from smart factories to digital twins and more

AMS

PowerCo partners with Alterric and EnviTec to power Salzgitter Gigafactory with 3 Terawatt Hours of green energy over the next decade

PowerCo SE has secured 3 terawatt hours of green electricity for its Salzgitter gigafactory through long-term agreements with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas. These partnerships will cut 115,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and support Europe’s renewable energy goals.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Stellantis advances its battery chemistries and improves sustainability by investing with CATL to build Spanish gigafactory

Stellantis and Chinese battery manufacturer CATL have formed a joint venture to invest up to €4.1 billion ($4.3 bn) to construct a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Spain.

Megan Kelly

The digital production hub at BMW’s San Luis Potosi blends electrification, AI, and sustainability to lead the way in next-generation automotive manufacturing

BMW’s San Luis Potosi facility is a testbed for next-generation automotive production. From digital twins and AI to high-voltage battery assembly, it pioneers lean, green, and smart manufacturing to meet global demands for electrification and sustainability.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Exclusive: How Henkel is co-developing the EV batteries of the future at its Battery Engineering Center

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with HenkelHenkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, inaugurated its revolutionary Battery Engineering Center (BEC) within its Inspiration Center Düsseldorf (ICD) in November last year. Henkel invited AMS as its first visitor, to take a tour of the Battery Application Center (BAC) and Battery Test Center (BTC) within the BEC and the innovations happening inside.

AMS

Watch: Henkel invites AMS for an exclusive look inside its Battery Engineering Center

AMS

Honda sets up a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries

Honda’s demonstration production line will support development for the mass production of solid-state batteries.

Nick Holt

BMW conquers Mexico with sustainable production at San Luis Potosí: "It's about more than cars"

The BMW factory canteen in San Luis Potosí serves cactus salad made from nopal leaves – harvested in the gardens on the factory premises. An example of the site philosophy: using local resources, promoting sustainability and delivering the highest quality.

By Andrea Hoffmann-Topp

Mercedes-Benz opens battery recycling facility to create a closed loop system

The new recycling facility, located in Kuppenheim, Germany, will utilise an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process.

Nick Holt

GM Ventures invests $10m in Forge Nano to improve EV battery performance and reduce costs

General Motors drops the Ulitum brand and shifts from single chemistry approach. The OEM has also entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Forge Nano to collaborate on atomic layer deposition applications for GM’s electric vehicle batteries.

Nick Holt

Market-driven decisions: Statevolt pivots from EV Batteries to Energy Storage Solutions, and from the US and Europe, to UAE

Statevolt pivots from EV batteries to Energy Storage Systems (ESS), focusing on the UAE due to its favorable conditions. CEO Lars Carlstrom explains the strategic shift and challenges faced in the EV sector.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

How BMW is ‘Designing for Circularity’ to become a sustainability leader in automotive production

BMW’s Roberto Rossetti, Total Vehicle Life Cycle Development, elucidates BMW’s innovative ’Design for Circularity’ approach. From using recycled materials to optimising vehicle disassembly, BMW is redefining how vehicles are produced and consumed.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Mexico’s automotive industry is a balancing act between foreign investment and domestic concerns

While the US government encourages domestic production, Mexico continues to attract foreign automotive investment. The trend is particularly evident in the arrival of Chinese manufacturers, poised to have a significant impact on regional production.

Ian Henry

EV transition slowdown and domestic politics challenge the US Big Three in new and unexpected ways

US automakers face a tangled web of tariffs, union issues, and a slowing EV market. The threat of Chinese competition looms large, while the IRA’s complex rules create new challenges. Ford, GM, and Stellantis are each fighting to navigate these obstacles.

Ian Henry

Northvolt slashes workforce by 1,600 as Europe’s largest EV battery manufacturer stumbles with slow demand, scaling issues, and Chinese competition, pausing major expansion plans

Northvolt, once the great hope for Europe’s EV battery industry, is shedding 1,600 jobs and shelving expansion plans. With slow market demand and fierce Chinese competition, Europe’s green ambitions face a critical test, leaving Northvolt to recalibrate its strategy.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Stellantis invests $406M in three Michigan plants for EV and multi-energy strategy

Stellantis commits over $406M to three Michigan facilities to ramp up production of electric vehicles, including the Ram 1500 REV and electrified Jeep Wagoneer, in line with its Dare Forward 2030 strategy for sustainable mobility.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

EV battery testing – new software supports testing rapidly changing battery technologies

New battery technology is being developed, and testing companies are focused on the same old parameters. But change could be on the horizon with new software.

Michael Nash

Canada – Mixed fortunes for production operations

Canadian vehicle and component production operations are feeling the impact of slow EV sales. However, the country has many assets making it attractive to investment, especially in battery production.

Ian Henry

GM and Samsung SDI seal $3.5B deal for Indiana Electric Vehicle battery plant

General Motors and Samsung SDI have cemented a $3.5 billion agreement to establish an advanced EV battery manufacturing plant in Indiana. This facility will enhance GM’s EV production capabilities by delivering up to 36 GWh of prismatic battery cells annually.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Stryten Energy and Dragonfly Energy agree to electrify North American automotive production

A strategic partnership between Stryten Energy and Dragonfly Energy will see the ’Battle Born Batteries’ brand enter new consumer markets, while bolstering domestic lithium battery production.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Despite industry fears, global EV sales reach record highs in 2024 and remain on an upward trajectory

How will slowing growth in EVs impact auto industry investment strategies? As the industry navigates challenges from rising costs and charging infrastructure gaps, to consumer range anxiety and rising competition, Daniel Harrison explodes some EV myths.

Daniel Harrison

Musk halts Tesla Mexico gigafactory until after US election

Tesla has paused its plans to build a new gigafactory in Mexico until after the US presidential election in November, as Donald Trump has pledged to impose a 100% tariff on vehicles made in Mexico.

Megan Kelly

Ford bolsters battery manufacturing with Chris White’s new global role

Ford promotes Chris White to Chief Engineer, Global Battery Manufacturing Engineering. With over 30 years of experience, White will drive Ford’s global EV battery strategy, enhance European operations, and develop cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Toyota to build EV battery plant for Lexus in Japanese island

Toyota Motor is planning to build an EV battery plant for its Lexus brand in the Japanese island of Kyushu, according to Japanese newspaper Nikkei.

Megan Kelly

Powering the future: Top 5 EV battery chemistries and formats across the world

With batteries underpinning the electrification journey, we take a look at the battery chemistries and architectures driving the change.

AMS

EV battery supply – potential materials shortages

S&P’s Global Mobility division offers some insights into battery raw material supply chains and the impact of market changes.

Nick Holt

Electric Dreams: Tesla’s gigafactory network and EV battery production blueprint

From Fremont to Berlin, Tesla’s gigafactories are the drivers in its goal to lead the EV market. Each site plays a crucial role in electric vehicle and battery innovation, ensuring Tesla meets global demand and maintains its lead in the electrification race.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Volkswagen’s Traton eyes third European battery plant to meet Electric Vehicle demand

Traton Group, Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle arm, considers a third battery assembly plant in Europe to support rising electric truck demand. Potential locations include Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. This move aligns with the EU’s carbon reduction roadmap and Traton’s goal of 50% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

ASEAN: Chinese OEMs increase investment through EV production

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is now seeing increasing investment in electric vehicle production with Chinese OEMs leading the way.

Ian Henry

GM, Stellantis and Volvo Group to gain $1.7 billion in EV grants

The US federal government is set to contribute $1.7 billion in grants to GM, Stellantis, Volvo Group and more to support increased EV production.

Megan Kelly

Amplify Cell Technologies begins construction of Mississippi battery cell factory

Amplify Cell Technologies’ new plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 21GWh for the production of LFP battery cells.

Nick Holt

HORSE Powertrain welcomes Aramco as strategic investor, leveraging chemical expertise

Aramco invests 10% in HORSE Powertrain Limited, a joint venture by Renault Group and Geely. This partnership will enhance the development of sustainable powertrains and synthetic fuels, driving the future of automotive decarbonisation.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Europe’s tariffs on Chinese EV imports stresses importance of local production

The European Commission (EC) has decided to impose additional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs following preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation, which found that prices are being distorted by Chinese state support.

Megan Kelly

ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories.

Megan Kelly

Volkswagen announces new affordable European EV

Volkswagen Group has announced that it will make all-electric entry-level mobility widespread across Europe, with affordable EVs made in the continent, for the European market.

Megan Kelly

Breaking down silos: the necessity for co-creative collaboration

The Design4Production event in Munich proved that collaboration between is key to success across automotive production, engineering and design. The topic was present across every single session in one form or another. Here are the highlights of the theme…

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Driving Innovation: The 3rd International Automotive Wire Harness Conference Returns to Detroit in 2024

Our presentations will focus on showcasing solutions, strategies, and tools for a range of topics such as electrification, advanced E/E architecture, functional safety, sustainability, mass reduction, high-speed data networks, commercial vehicle unique topics, simulation, and labor/complexity reduction through manufacturing automation and digitalisation.

AMS

BMW builds gigafactory for Neue Klasse in Mexico

BMW Group is taking its ‘local for local’ approach to manufacturing and supply chain to Mexico, and has started construction on an 80,000 sq.m battery manufacturing facility next to its assembly plant in San Luis Potosi. The plant is due to start making the Neue Klasse electric sports activity vehicle there from 2027.

Marcus Williams

Electric promise in the Middle East: Why Statevolt is building a gigafactory in the UAE instead of Europe

Despite regional challenges and skepticism, serial gigafactory founder Lars Carlstrom sees untapped potential and strategic advantages in the UAE and Middle East, and worries that Europe is missing a huge opportunity to reindustrialise. With Lucid’s foray into EV production in Saudi Arabia and Ceer’s imminent market entry, is the Middle East primed to embrace electrification?

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Rivian secures $827m funding, plans expansion and brings in Javier Varela as new COO

Rivian secures $827m in public funding from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity despite announcing 10% workforce cuts earlier this year. Javier Varela appoitned new COO ahead of R2 production

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Honda grows its North American EV footprint

Honda is investing heavily in growing its electric vehicle production operations in North America but is also leveraging expertise and capacity for hybrid powertrain production

Nick Holt

UK auto production prospects improving

Economic headwinds, supply chain challenges and future trading uncertainty have put the UK’s automotive manufacturing sector under considerable pressure, but there are signs of a positive change ahead.

Ian Henry

Toyota invests $1.4B in US manufacturing for new BEV SUV

With a focus on sustainability and job creation, Toyota’s investment in its Princeton facility in Indiana aims to solidify its position in the electrification market, adding up to 340 new jobs and bolstering its long-standing partnership with the state

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Impacts of global geopolitics on European production

Geopolitical influences on the automotive manufacturing sector are intensifying and becoming ever more powerful. European trends cannot be looked at in isolation; their impact on the ground in Europe have their roots in wider global factors…

Ian Henry

OEMs jointly develop green battery prototypes with Henkel

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with Henkel More OEMs are looking to build their own EV batteries in-house to streamline production and logistics and have more visibility on costs and efficiencies. In a fast-paced competitive market where technologies evolve and overtake one another quickly, carmakers are keen to keep their progress under wraps – particularly when it comes to battery prototypes. But they are making an exception for the purpose of recycling and repair, according to Henkel’s battery sustainability expert, Philipp tho Pesch.

AMS

Statevolt’s $3.2bn UAE Gigafactory to bolster electrification in Middle East

Embarking on a significant $3.2 billion endeavor, Statevolt’s Gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah emerges as a beacon of technological innovation, promising to reshape the global energy storage landscape. This ambitious project not only marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable industrial development but also underscores the UAE’s strategic vision of becoming a leading hub for green technology and energy transition.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

How the Audi Q6 e-tron series is proof of the OEMs flexible and sustainable vehicle production ecosystem

Audi’s Ingolstadt plant pioneers sustainable manufacturing with net-zero emissions, showcasing flexible integration and cutting-edge technology: Q6 e-tron leads the way

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Tesla’s Berlin factory set to restart production after arson attack

Tesla’s gigafactory in Grünheide, in Berlin, Germany is set to regain power from as early as today, allowing it to restart production, having been shut down for the past week following a suspected arson attack.

Megan Kelly

GM and Honda 50/50 Joint Venture Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM) kicks off production of hydrogen battery fuel cells to power sustainable future

Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM); the GM-Honda joint venture kicks off production of pioneering hydrogen fuel cell battery technology in Brownstown, Michigan to accelerate sustainable automotive solutions

Ilkhan Ozsevim

GM appoints ex-Tesla executive to new VP of batteries role

GM has appointed Kurt Kelty, a battery expert and former Tesla executive, to its new role of vice-president of batteries, in a move that aims to help the carmaker become a leader in EV manufacturing.

Megan Kelly

ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 bn) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Germany, Italy and France.

Megan Kelly

How Farasis will bridge the EV battery gap in Europe

The Chinese battery manufacturer’s new European general manager, Marcel Brömlage, will lead an evolving strategy in the region including increasing engineering and acquisition capabilities, and targeting automotive as well as non-automotive customers to support the growth strategy for the Siro joint venture and Farasis group.

Christopher Ludwig

Hyundai, Kia and Gore collaborate for fuel cell electric commercial vehicles

The agreement between Hyundai, Kia and Gore is future-focused, working towards seizing market shifts that hinge on battery tech developments. The joint effort focuses on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) technologies and expands the 15-year-long tripartite unity to develop next-gen hydrogen-fuel battery tech as demand grows.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Henkel supports innovation with Battery Engineering Center

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions in partnership with HenkelHenkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, has opened its revolutionary Battery Engineering Center within its Inspiration Center in Duesseldorf, to address the need to improve safety, performance, quality and price of EV batteries.

AMS

The state and stipulation of automotive production: Retrospect 2023 to prospect 2024

Using 2023 as a launchpad into the coming trends of 2024, we take a dive into the coming automotive production trends set to shape the industry

Ilkhan Ozsevim

AMS Winter 2023/24 – BMW’s battery boost

Our Winter digital edition takes an in-depth look at how OEMs are getting to grips with developing and manufacturing new electric vehicles and powertrains

AMS

How battery and electric motors and EVs are reshaping the European automotive supply chain

The automotive industry is in a major shift with EVs reshaping the supply chain. Challenges and opportunities include replacing traditional components tied to combustion engines, new players in the battery market, disruptors facing tariffs, and the looming influence of China in Europe; all adding new layers of complexity.

Ian Henry

How Europe’s Big 3 (Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault) are evolving their manufacturing arrangements and production strategies in the European automotive industry as electrification takes hold

As the automotive industry in Europe undergoes a seismic shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV), major players like Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault are navigating complex changes in their production strategies.

Ian Henry

ONE’s innovative strategies in chemistry, manufacturing and sustainability are transforming EV safety

AMS explores Our Next Energy’s (ONE) innovative approach to EV battery safety. The company’s CEO and founder, Mujeeb Ijaz, discusses manufacturing solutions to eliminate thermal runaway, enhance range, and optimise sustainability

Martin Kahl

Skoda auto unveils next chapter with production launch of fourth-generation superb at Bratislava plant, alignment with visionary Beta+ project marks a transformative milestone

Efficiency meets innovation as Skoda’s flagship Superb starts production in Bratislava with goals to set new standards in automotive excellence and sustainability.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Nissan announces third gigafactory in UK for EV models

Nissan is investing £3 billion ($3.8 bn) in its EV36Zero hub, its flagship EV hub centred around its plant in Sunderland, UK, to build three new gigafactories in total for its three EV models.

Megan Kelly

Ford scales down planned Michigan EV plant, GM scraps EV target

Ford is downsizing the capacity and investment in its planned EV plant in Marshall, Michigan, following suit of GM scrapping its EV production targets.

Megan Kelly

UK Government injects £2bn into automotive industry to drive sustainable growth: Nissan leads with announcements of three EV models to be produced at its Sunderland plant

The UK government injects £4.5bn into strategic sectors, with £2bn for the automotive industry, signaling a green revolution. Nissan swiftly follows, investing £2bn in electric car production at its Sunderland plant. Digital twins and self-driving cars make the cut.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Henkel unveils Battery Engineering Center in its Inspiration Center Duesseldorf

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by Henkel and produced in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing SolutionsHenkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, has opened its revolutionary Battery Engineering Center within its Inspiration Center in Duesseldorf. The opening solidifies the company`s role as a premier design and innovation partner for automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers worldwide.

AMS

Henkel powers EV evolution with cutting-edge battery sealing technology

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by Henkel and produced in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing SolutionsInnovative solutions from Henkel ensure safety, reliability, and durability for EV battery manufacturers worldwide, setting new standards in performance.

Henkel

Ford’s Paul Stephens on EV opportunities and greenfield sites

Following the ‘Greenfield of Dreams: Building the Future of Automotive Production’ keynote and panel discussion at AMS Automotive Evolution North America, AMS was eager to catch up with Paul Stephens, Manufacturing Transformation Lead for Ford Motor Company, to learn more.

Next steps towards solid-state

Solid-state batteries are seen as the next big technology step for electric vehicles, potentially reducing battery pack weight and offering improved energy density and range. AMS reports on progress at Solid Power.

Mike Farish

New world order: How the US is boosting EV production with new technologies and investment

The US is leading the way in the transition to EVs, with significant government support to increase domestic battery production and new technologies. Ian Henry explores how the US is becoming competition to China, and what it means for the rest of the world.

Ian Henry

BMW: ‘Flexibility is in our genes’

BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce are driving a tight electrification course. Nevertheless, the group remains open to drive diversity. In an interview, production director Milan Nedeljković talks about flexibility and the concept of the iFactory.

Götz Fuchslocher

How BMW will maintain quality in its 3,000-step battery cell production process

At its recently opened German Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, BMW is aiming to achieve ‘expertise in every cell’ of its generation six batteries for its Neue Klasse EV models. But to do this, the carmaker needs to ensure the 3,000-step production process is consistently quality checked along the way.

Megan Kelly

Toyota’s $8 Billion investment powers North Carolina battery plant

Toyota’s $8 billion investment in North Carolina powers regional electrification efforts with plans to roll out ten EV/PHEV battery production lines

Ilkhan Ozsevim

BMW begins production at German cell manufacturing competence centre

BMW has started production of cylindrical battery cells at its €170m Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) near Munich in Parsdorf, Germany.

Megan Kelly

How digitalisation is ramping up battery cell production for EVs

Digitalisation is helping to scale up battery cell production in North America through improving standardisation and traceability and ensuring quality of materials.

Megan Kelly

Back in the USA

Returning to Detroit for the first time in over 10 years the AMS Automotive Evolution North America event delivered expert panels and a fully engaged audience who combined to share their valuable insights and experience, through panel discussions, Q&A and networking. Here are some of the highlights from the sessions.

Nick Holt