Recently, Volkswagen signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Ganfeng Lithium, which includes an agreement between Volkswagen China and Hefei Guoxuan for the development of the first generation standard battery cells for Volkswagen’s mass-produced vehicles. Additionally, Ganfeng Lithium will assist the Volkswagen Group in building a giant battery factory in Salzgitter, Germany and provide relevant technical support.
This agreement is another major action for both parties after signing a share purchase agreement last year, and this time the agreement expands further cooperation in four areas.
Promote the Industrialization of Battery Cells Together
Both parties will cooperate in the Salzgitter factory in Germany to accelerate the industrialization of battery cells. Guoxuan Lithium will be responsible for the optimization of production layout, equipment deployment, and production process technology of the factory. This lays a solid foundation for the mass production of battery cells and perfects the Volkswagen Group’s strategy in batteries and charging technology.
Guoxuan is the First R&D Center for Standard Battery Cells
In the Chinese market, Hefei Guoxuan signed an agreement with Volkswagen China to develop a new generation of standard battery cells for mass-produced vehicles for Volkswagen, and became the first designated developer to obtain the R&D contract.
Volkswagen Group’s standard battery cell solution can be applied to various chemical compositions and has high compatibility with current and future products, greatly reducing overall costs.
Guoxuan Plans to Supply Batteries to MEB Platform
As the first foreign automobile company to invest directly in a Chinese battery production enterprise, the Volkswagen Group invested 1.1 billion euros in Guoxuan and acquired a 26% stake, becoming its largest shareholder.
Currently, Guoxuan Lithium is also in the process of certifying Volkswagen China’s supplier and, once certified, will supply batteries to the local MEB platform’s products.
Join Hands to Achieve Carbon Neutrality
Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Group Management Board, stated that both parties will jointly promote the development of battery cell technology and become one of the world’s top three battery manufacturers. This cooperation is the first step taken by the Volkswagen Group.
The Chairman and CEO of Guoxuan Lithium stated that they will fully support the Volkswagen Group’s electrification strategy and jointly achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, completely changing human society’s dependence on chemical energy.
Final WordsVolkswagen Group has shown its ambitious side in electrification transformation. Both the previous Power Day and the just announced 2030 NEW AUTO strategy demonstrate Volkswagen Group’s determination in electrification. The ID.4 and ID.6 series were launched in the domestic market in the first and second quarters of this year, and their sales have gradually increased. However, based on the current market feedback, the combined sales of ID.4 from the two Volkswagen joint ventures in May was only 1,209 units. After the electrification transformation, can the Volkswagen in the hearts of the Chinese people continue its iconic status in the national consciousness?
🔗 Source: Official Volkswagen Website
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.