German Chancellor Olaf Scholz symbolically plugs in a battery as Volkswagen began construction of its first factory to make batteries for its electric cars Ronny HARTMANN AFP |
The firm plans to "steer the worldwide battery offensive" from the new plant in Salzgitter in central Germany, CEO Herbert Diess told a ceremony attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Volkswagen has set itself the ambitious aim of becoming the
world's biggest electric car manufacturer by 2025, pouring a total of 46
billion euros ($46.8 billion) over the next five years into the drive.
"If Germany and Europe don't want to be left behind by
the US and China, we need to focus more on the technologies of the
future," Diess said.
The Salzgitter complex, where currently thousands of
combustion engines roll off the factory line every day, is set to be the centre
of Volkswagen's electric ecosystem.
Two billion euros are being invested in the battery plant
through 2026, with the potential for the site to turn out batteries for 500,000
vehicles a year.
The plan will also serve as a blueprint for a fleet of
battery plants in Europe.
'Sustainable, climate-compatible'
Up until now both legacy carmakers like Volkswagen have
largely relied on Asian, notably Chinese, battery makers to fit their vehicles.
Western auto giants are keen to bring production in house,
to minimise supply disruptions and pocket the added value from battery
production.
"Reliance" on distant suppliers had shown itself
to be a "big risk" for manufacturers, said Scholz, who placed the
last unit of a ceremonial foundation battery.
"Today is a good day for the automotive industry in
Germany and Europe," he said, adding that VW was paving the way in
"sustainable, climate-compatible mobility".
Scholz said Europe's top economy aimed to have 15 million
electric vehicles on its streets by 2030.
Volkswagen's new PowerCo unit plans to invest more than 20
billion euros together with partners, with the aim of generating annual sales
in excess of 20 billion euros and employing up to 20,000 people in Europe
alone. Around 5,000 will be employed in Salzgitter.
In total, Volkswagen plans to open six plants together with
partners in Europe, with another to come in the United States, according to
Diess.
The first, a collaboration with battery maker Northvolt,
will open in 2023 in Sweden, followed by the Salzgitter site in 2025.
Volkswagen has tapped Valencia, in Spain, to house a battery
plant, with discussions under way for other locations in other existing
production locations in Europe.
Key competitor Tesla opened its first European factory
outside Berlin earlier this year. The site in Gruenheide is set to be
complemented by its own battery plant.
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