EcoPro BM plans to convert its plant in Debrecen, Hungary, to produce additional cathode materials. In addition to nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), the facility will also process nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM). The South Korean manufacturer is thus aligning its production more closely with the European electric vehicle market.
EcoPro BM estimates the conversion will cost around 40 billion won, equivalent to approximately $29 million. Initial shipments of NCM materials to European customers are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. According to the company, the planned customers include a German premium automaker.
Debrecen Plant to Produce NCA and NCM
The Debrecen plant began commercial operations in the first half of the year. Production has been running at a larger scale since June. The second production line is scheduled to start in September.
EcoPro BM is targeting production of around 10,000 metric tons this year, rising to 30,000 metric tons next year. Once all three production lines are operating at full capacity, the plant is expected to have an annual cathode material capacity of 54,000 metric tons. According to EcoPro BM, this volume would be sufficient to supply batteries for around 600,000 electric vehicles.
So far, the production lines have been designed for NCA materials. EcoPro BM is now ordering additional equipment and preparing to convert the facility for combined NCA and NCM production.
The site is part of a larger EcoPro Group production complex. EcoPro Innovation also operates a lithium processing facility there, with an annual capacity of 8,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide. EcoPro AP produces industrial gases at the site.
