Japanese battery manufacturer AESC Group has recently inaugurated its new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Douai, France. The company celebrated the Start of Production (SOP) with a ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the significance of this milestone in France’s shift towards sustainable mobility.
The state-of-the-art facility boasts a production capacity of 10 GWh of lithium-ion batteries annually, sufficient to power up to 200,000 EVs. Currently, the plant supplies batteries to domestic automaker Renault and employs around 650 individuals, with plans to increase the workforce to 1,000 once it reaches full production capacity.
AESC emphasized that the Douai plant operates on clean electricity and incorporates advanced manufacturing processes such as electrode production, cell assembly, and module integration. The construction of the facility was made possible with the support of French and European financial institutions, including Bpifrance, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, European Investment Bank, and a consortium of leading commercial banks. Notably, the European Commission approved €48 million in French state aid for the project.
During the inauguration event, President Macron expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Here in Douai, we are turning a new page in the history of French industry. The inauguration of the AESC gigafactory is the culmination of eight years of determined effort and reflects a uniquely French vision of ecological transition.”
Lei Zhang, Chairman of AESC Group, added, “The start of production at our Douai gigafactory signifies a pivotal step in AESC’s commitment to advancing France’s reindustrialization and global leadership in the energy transition. By investing in cutting-edge battery technology and skilled talent, we are proud to contribute to the decarbonization of transportation worldwide.”
In addition to the plant’s inauguration, nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact within the industry. This is an opportunity for companies to showcase their achievements, highlight advancements, and gain global recognition. Don’t miss the chance to be honored among the best in the industry by submitting your nomination today.
With the launch of the new battery plant in France and the upcoming Excellence Awards, AESC Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
