Chinese battery cell manufacturer Gotion High-Tech, in collaboration with Nuovo Plus, a subsidiary of Thai energy and oil company PTT Group, has initiated battery production at its plant in Thailand. The facility, established as a joint venture named NV Gotion, focuses on the assembly of battery packs, modules, and integration of battery management systems for both electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems.
The production plant, announced a year ago, boasts an initial annual capacity of 2 GWh, with plans for expansion up to 8 GWh based on market demand. The facility’s timely commencement aligns with the original schedule, with reports indicating the opening in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The inaugural product from the Thai plant is a battery pack featuring lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells with a 38 kWh capacity. The joint venture has disclosed plans to deliver the first batch to Chinese electric car brand Neta, affiliated with Hozon Auto, which recently commenced electric vehicle production in Thailand. Deliveries to Neta are anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
The establishment of Gotion High-Tech’s battery production in Thailand underscores the company’s strategic moves to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries in the Southeast Asian market. The joint venture aims to contribute to the local electric mobility sector while adapting to market dynamics for potential future expansions.