CATL’s Debrecen plant set to power Europe’s electric vehicle revolution
CATL is expanding its presence in Europe with products and services tailored to European consumers, and its Debrecen facility will be central to this strategy. At the Hungarian Battery Days conference, Shen Feng, Managing Director of CATL Germany and Hungary, highlighted that local production, innovative technologies, and sustainable supply chains are key to integrating CATL into the European economy and supporting the continent’s transition to electric vehicles.
Technological advancements drive EV growth
Speaking at the Budapest conference on 6 November, Shen Feng emphasised that continuous product development is increasing both the range and charging speed of electric vehicles, making them more appealing to a wider audience. The European EV market is rebounding, with electric cars projected to represent 29% of new vehicle sales by the end of 2025. Globally, CATL has supplied batteries for 20 million vehicles, capturing a 37.9% market share. Since 2019, the company has invested $10 billion in R&D, employing over 21,000 researchers and securing nearly 50,000 patents.
The launch of CATL’s Shenxing Pro battery range this year demonstrates technology designed specifically for European needs. One model offers a WLTP range of up to 758 km with a lifespan of 1 million kilometres, losing only 9% capacity after 200,000 km. Another model delivers ultra-fast charging, offering 500 km of range in just 20 minutes, even under cold weather conditions.
“In Europe, from Europe, of Europe” strategy
CATL is not just supplying batteries globally—it is positioning itself as a true European partner. The company’s “In Europe, from Europe, of Europe” approach focuses on localisation, cooperation, and sustainability.
“We aim to become fully integrated into the European economic ecosystem, offering solutions that meet local regulatory and environmental standards,” Shen Feng said. CATL also collaborates with European partners to develop a circular economy for batteries, promoting recycling and a sustainable, closed-loop value chain.
Debrecen: A strategic hub for European EVs
The Debrecen plant, CATL’s largest facility outside China, is pivotal to the company’s European growth. It will support local battery demand, strengthen CATL’s global network, and drive the continent’s transition to electric transport. Production lines are currently being installed, with trial production scheduled to begin soon.
Since module production began in August 2024, the Debrecen factory has produced 120,000 modules, supporting around 30,000 electric vehicles. Production is tailored to European customer needs, and the company recently launched a recruitment drive in Debrecen and surrounding areas to ensure sufficient local staffing for cell production.
Is anyone bothering to ask whether the “E.V. revolution” is a good thing?
You’d think, would you not, what with so many people going apoplectic about Saving the Planet(TM), they’d do a bit more research about how environmentally friendly, vel non, electric vehicles are.
Oh well, can’t fight the narrative nor can you expect the bleating sheep to recognize propaganda when they’re exposed to it.