Inpow Battery Technology, the battery manufacturing division of Chinese automaker GAC Group, has started production at a new plant in Thailand, expanding the company’s local manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia.
The facility officially began production on 29 October in Si Racha, Chonburi Province, east of Bangkok. The development represents another step in GAC’s efforts to establish local supply chains closer to its vehicle manufacturing operations in the region.
The plant’s opening comes as Inpow reaches another production milestone. The company recently reported that its cumulative global output had reached 300,000 battery packs. Its batteries are already used in several electric vehicles from GAC’s Aion brand, including the i60, N60 and UT.
Establishing battery production in Thailand will allow GAC to localise another part of its electric vehicle supply chain. Manufacturing closer to vehicle assembly operations could shorten transportation routes and reduce reliance on battery supplies from China.
GAC Builds on Existing Thailand Operations
The new battery facility builds on GAC’s existing manufacturing presence in Thailand. In July 2024, GAC Aion opened a vehicle production plant in the country as part of its strategy to establish Thailand as a manufacturing and distribution base for wider Southeast Asian markets.
With battery production now added to its local operations, GAC is bringing another stage of the EV value chain into the country. Combining vehicle assembly with battery manufacturing could strengthen the group’s regional production capabilities and competitive position as Chinese automakers expand across Southeast Asia.
Thailand Strengthens Its EV Manufacturing Ambitions
Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s established automotive manufacturing centres and has been working to accelerate the transition towards electric mobility.
The government has introduced measures to attract investment in EV manufacturing and related supply chains, with the aim of developing the country into a regional hub for electric vehicle production.
GAC’s latest investment adds to this industrial expansion, supporting the development of local battery manufacturing capacity alongside the country’s growing electric vehicle production base.