CATL, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, is making significant moves in Indonesia with plans to build a battery cell plant with an annual capacity of 15 GWh. This joint venture project is expected to be commercially operational by 2027.
According to a report by Bloomberg, CATL is seeking a loan of approximately $1 billion for investments in Indonesia. The loan, which could have a tenor of five to seven years, will be utilized for the joint venture’s battery cell manufacturing plant in Karawang, West Java. Negotiations with potential financiers are currently underway, with loan details subject to change.
Last October, CATL established a joint venture with Indonesia Battery Corp, a state-owned battery company, through its subsidiary CBL International Development. The JV aims to invest $1.2 billion in Indonesia for the construction of a battery cell manufacturing plant with a planned annual capacity of 15 GWh, set to be operational by 2027.
As the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, CATL holds a global market share of 38.2 percent as of January-February 2025, as reported by South Korean market researcher SNE Research. With 13 battery production sites worldwide as of September 30, 2024, CATL continues to expand its production capabilities.
CATL has already achieved mass production of lithium-ion battery cells at its facility in Thuringia, Germany, and is progressing with the construction of a plant in Hungary. Additionally, the company recently announced a joint venture with Stellantis to build an LFP battery plant in Spain, marking its third plant in Europe with a total investment of $4.26 billion.
In a noteworthy development, Nio’s William Li delivered an ET9 to Robin Zeng, founder, chairman, and CEO of CATL, showcasing the collaborative efforts within the EV industry. This highlights the growing partnerships and advancements driving the electric vehicle ecosystem forward.
Overall, CATL’s expansion into Indonesia signifies a strategic move to bolster its presence in the global EV battery market, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on CATL’s ventures and innovations shaping the future of electric mobility.
