German automotive supplier Dräxlmaier has officially inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Leipzig dedicated to producing high-voltage battery systems. These advanced 800-volt battery systems are destined for the all-electric Porsche Macan, set to roll off the production line at Porsche Leipzig.
The opening of the Leipzig plant marks a significant expansion of Dräxlmaier’s production network in Germany, adding to existing locations in Landau an der Isar and Sachsenheim near Stuttgart. Notably, the Leipzig plant’s start-up was notably delayed, with the topping-out ceremony taking place in October 2020. At that time, it was expected that battery system assembly would commence in July 2021.
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This delay in the start of battery assembly closely aligns with the delay in the release of Porsche’s E-Macan, originally slated for a 2022 launch. However, due to software-related setbacks, the 800-volt electric vehicle, based on Porsche’s new PPE electric platform, is now expected to hit the market in 2024. The battery itself will boast a total capacity of approximately 100 kWh, comprising twelve modules with prismatic cells. These cells maintain a composition of nickel, cobalt, and manganese at a ratio of 8:1:1.
Interestingly, Dräxlmaier’s announcement regarding the plant’s inauguration makes no mention of these delays, nor does it provide details about the plant’s production capacity or the volume of investment involved. In his address, Dräxlmaier’s Vice-Chairman and CEO, Stefan Brandl, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovative technological solutions for future mobility. He stated, “In addition to numerous other innovations related to the electrification of the powertrain, we manufacture battery systems for sophisticated premium vehicles – a key component of electromobility. The Leipzig site is therefore an important pillar in our production network.”
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Dräxlmaier has a long-standing relationship with Porsche, having previously produced battery systems for the Porsche Taycan and delivering them for installation at the Porsche plant in Zuffenhausen. A similar arrangement is now anticipated for the production of the E-Macan in Leipzig. Additionally, Dräxlmaier has been active in Leipzig since 2004, with its existing production plant manufacturing interior systems and wiring systems for Porsche.
