Skoda started production of battery systems for the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric vehicle platform at the Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic on May 17. The plant becomes the only European production site outside of Germany to manufacture MEB battery systems. 250 employees will assemble MEB battery systems in the newly constructed production line, with an expected annual output of more than 250,000 units. These battery systems are not only used in Skoda vehicles, but also in electric models of group brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Seat.
Michael Oeljeklaus, Member of the Board of Directors of Škoda Auto Production and Logistics, said: “Today means a lot for Škoda. By starting the production of the MEB battery system, we are now manufacturing the vital core key components, which means that we have completed the Another goal of the transition to the electrification of the car. I would like to express my gratitude to all the team members who have worked hard over the past few months to build this new production line. For the production of the battery system, Škoda Auto has invested around 130 million euros, the factory can produce more than 250,000 sets of MEB battery systems per year for use in electric vehicles of Skoda and other brands of the Volkswagen Group. In 2030, we will produce all-electric vehicles or components in Skoda’s three factories in the Czech Republic.”
Skoda Mlada-Boleslav main plant is the only European production base for MEB battery systems outside Germany, producing various types of MEB platform battery systems: the smallest model battery system has 8 battery modules with a total capacity of 55 kWh; The medium-sized battery system has 9 battery modules with a capacity of 62 kWh; the largest battery system has 12 battery modules with a capacity of 82 kWh. In addition to the battery modules, each MEB battery system includes 24 cells, as well as a battery housing with a cooling system, a battery management system, and the necessary connection systems.
With the commissioning of the new production line, Skoda has accelerated the electrification transformation strategy formulated by the company’s “Strategy 2030”. Skoda plans to continue to promote the electrification of its models in the next few years. In 2030, all three Czech factories will be put into the production of complete electric vehicles or parts, and more new job opportunities will be created on the basis of ensuring existing jobs. At the same time, Skoda also plans to launch three pure electric models, whose price and size are lower than the ENYAQ iV, and increase the sales share of European electric vehicles from 50% to 70%.