CATL began trial production of battery cells at its plant in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 22, 2026. Two production lines are initially entering trial operation. The site is planned to have an annual production capacity of 100 GWh.
However, this does not yet mark the start of mass production. During the trial phase, CATL plans to set up, optimize, and validate its equipment and manufacturing processes. The company has not yet provided a specific date for the transition to mass production.
Permits Follow Earlier Deficiencies
CATL announced plans to build its second European battery plant in August 2022. Construction of the first building for cell production began in summer 2023. Production equipment was installed by spring 2026.
The plant received its occupancy permit in August 2026. According to the company, it subsequently obtained the remaining permits and met the requirements for trial operations.
Before production began, the responsible authority in Hajdú-Bihar County conducted repeated inspections of the site. The inspections followed previously identified deficiencies that had raised concerns among local residents. According to CATL, government representatives confirmed that the issues had since been resolved.
Battery Module Production Began in 2024
The Debrecen site has been producing battery modules since fall 2024. According to the company, 537,000 modules have been manufactured there to date. The start of cell production now adds another manufacturing stage at the site.
Once fully built out, the Debrecen plant is expected to become CATL’s largest manufacturing site outside China, with an annual capacity of 100 GWh. The plant is intended primarily to supply European automakers.
Sources:
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/catl-kicks-off-trial-production-of-battery-cells-in-hungary-302886109.html
https://cnevpost.com/2026/09/22/catl-begins-trial-cell-production-hungary-plant/
