E-Mobility in Transport - Daimler Truck starts battery production pilot in Mannheim
Daimler Truck will produce batteries for commercial vehicles in a pilot production at its Mannheim plant. Experts will build knowledge on battery chemistry and cell production - the smallest units of a battery - in a new center, the company based in Leinfelden-Echterdingen announced at the opening.
The Battery Technology Center is reportedly divided into two areas. In one, knowledge about cell chemistry and battery cell production will be gained first. Then, battery modules and packages for testing and test vehicles will be manufactured from these on the pilot line.
Preparations for series production in Europe
The plant is preparing for future series production, it was announced. This is planned for the introduction of the next Lithium-Ion battery generation for the second half of the decade. The Mannheim plant was founded in 1908. Today, more than 4,600 people work there, producing engines for commercial vehicles among other things.
The opening of the Battery Technology Center is a significant step towards electrification, according to Development Board Member Andreas Gorbach: "We have decided to take over the assembly of the future battery generation ourselves and thus retain important value creation in-house," he said. This will be done in and for Europe.
Battery factory in the USA under construction
The company recently announced that it, together with a partner, has begun construction of a battery cell factory in the US state of Mississippi. Production is planned to start in 2027. A yearly production capacity of 21 Gigawatt-hours is planned. This is enough for 35,000 electric trucks with a battery capacity of 600 kilowatt-hours.
Daimler Truck's transition to the electric motor is in full swing. The eActros 600 is expected to go into series production at the end of 2024. The truck covers 500 kilometers without recharging. In April, Daimler Truck reported a success in fast charging electric trucks. The company is also involved in the expansion of charging stations.
- Daimler Truck, with its headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, will produce batteries for commercial vehicles in their Mannheim plant.
- The Mannheim plant, which has been in operation since 1908 and currently employs over 4,600 people in vehicle construction, will contribute to the preparation for series production of the next Lithium-Ion battery generation in Europe.
- The Battery Technology Center, established in Mannheim, will focus on gaining knowledge about cell chemistry and battery cell production, followed by the manufacturing of battery modules and packages for testing purposes.
- The opening of the Battery Technology Center is a strategic move for Daimler Truck, as Development Board Member Andreas Gorbach stated, aiming to retain value creation in-house for future battery generations in Europe.
- Besides the ongoing developments in Germany, Daimler Truck is also constructing a battery cell factory in partnership with a partner in the US state of Mississippi, aiming to begin production in 2027, providing 35,000 electric trucks with a combined battery capacity of 600 kilowatt-hours annually.
