In the latest episode of “eMobility Insights”, electrive editor-in-chief Peter Schwierz talks to Prof. Heiner Heimes from PEM at RWTH Aachen University about the current state of European battery cell production. The podcast is in German.
The discussion explains why many original expansion plans have since been significantly scaled back. According to electrive, announced cell production capacities in Europe have fallen from around 2,000 to below 1,000 gigawatt-hours per year. Heimes sees the main challenge less in building new factories than in ramping up production reliably. Key factors include quality, low scrap rates and sufficient capital.
The podcast also addresses the consequences of the Northvolt case for confidence in European battery projects. At the same time, Heimes points to areas where Europe still has potential, including recycling, testing infrastructure, and module and pack production. PowerCo, Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, is also mentioned as an important test case.
The episode provides a sober assessment of what role Europe can still play in the battery value chain.
The podcast is available here on electrive:
Listen to the conversation with Heiner Heimes
