Volkswagen begins construction of new electric car plant in China
Volkswagen has begun construction of an all-new MEB plant in China, the manufacturers third electric plant in the country.
While the plant will be completed in 2022, Volkswagen has said it is looking to begin production of BEV’s towards the second half of 2023.
The plant is another step towards Volkswagen’s goal of producing up to 1.5 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) per year by 2025.
The new factory in Anhui will consist of a completely new body shop area which will cover roughly 141,000m2 and makes up part of the total project area, together covering around 500,000m2.
The new plant will incorporate a number of energy saving strategies as part of comprehensive efforts to reduce overall carbon emissions, including the adoption of low energy consumption production equipment. A supplier park for battery and components is also planned for construction in the area.
Volkswagen said the new plant will also look to employ around 500 members of staff by 2025 with a focus on R&D and engineering innovations.
China is Volkswagen’s largest market for electric vehicles and the manufacturer said the construction of the new plant will help target a younger audience.
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: “Volkswagen Anhui is set to become a global hub for e-mobility innovation and a cornerstone of the Group’s decarbonisation strategy.
“As China is the world’s largest single market for NEV vehicles, we need to strengthen our local competence, and Volkswagen Anhui is a significant part of it. With the plant to be powered by green energy from day one, we are demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions beyond our fleet.”
