Chinese firm Gotion High-Tech and Slovakian battery company InoBat have signed a letter of intent with the Slovakian government, solidifying plans for their joint battery cell factory in Å urany, south of Slovakia. The location had previously been identified as the “Central European region” in the initial announcement made in September. The agreement outlines that Gotion InoBat Batteries (GIB) will commence construction of the factory in 2024, with the Slovakian government providing subsidies, a 65-hectare site, plot preparation, and power grid connectivity. Production is anticipated to commence in Q2 2026, with series production slated for 2027.
The Gotion InoBat Batteries factory is projected to have an initial annual capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours, potentially scalable to 40 GWh. Independently, InoBat is planning a 100 MWh pilot production facility in Voderady and a 10 GWh factory starting from 2024.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico views the choice of Slovakia for the factory as a testament to the country’s return to economic attractiveness. Fico emphasized the importance of foreign investments in bringing capital, job opportunities, and technological innovations. He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing a stable and predictable political and legal environment.
Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-Tech, expressed aspirations to establish the project as a leading advanced battery manufacturing base and zero-carbon factory in Europe and globally, with the support of the Slovak Republic government and InoBat. InoBat CEO Marian Bocek highlighted the unique partnership between a fast-growing startup and a technology leader, combining project development expertise with manufacturing capabilities.
