Farasis Energy and Turkish electric car manufacturer Togg have taken a significant step forward in their partnership, as they begin construction on a joint battery cell factory. The two firms’ joint venture, Siro, officially laid the foundation stone for the facility in Gemlik, Turkey.
Battery module and pack series production began in March, though the facility will initially process imported cells until local production begins. The cell production facility, which will span 60 hectares, is set to begin operation in 2026, with the capacity to produce 20 GWh per year by 2031. The facility is also set to supply customers of Farasis Energy Europe, as well as Siro’s own customers in the automotive, industrial applications, and stationary storage sectors.
See also: Togg C electric SUV goes into production, promises 400 hp and range up to 310 miles
The joint venture also includes plans to develop and manufacture its own innovative battery cells based on Farasis Energy’s latest technology, with a laboratory for this purpose expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Togg, which priced its debut vehicle T10X in Turkey in March, plans to begin deliveries there in July 2023. Exports to other countries are scheduled to start from 2025, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan spoke of his ambitions for Togg at the foundation stone laying event, stating, “From 2025, we will export Togg and sell it all over the world.” Erdogan added that one million Togg BEVs are to be produced by 2030.
To meet this ambitious target, Siro will need to quickly scale up battery production, both in terms of cells and modules and packs. The module and pack production currently in operation is designed for just 3 GWh per year. This would be sufficient for just 33,900 vehicles fitted with the 88.5 kWh battery or 57,250 vehicles with the basic model (52.4 kWh), still well below the target of one million vehicles by 2030. However, with a production capacity of 20 GWh per year (and initially imported cells), the target may be within reach.
See also: Siro Commences Series Production at Gemlik Site, Plans to Expand to 20 GWh by 2031
Farasis Vice Chairman Keith Kepler highlighted the global growth of Farasis Energy and the importance of transitioning to fossil-free transportation. Stefan Bergold, board member of Siro and General Manager at Farasis Energy Europe, emphasized Siro’s goal to store renewable energy, promote the electrification of vehicles, and contribute to significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Bergold also stated that governments and businesses must work closely together on mobility issues to achieve their climate goals.
