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Gotion InoBat Batteries (GIB), a joint venture (JV) between Gotion High-Tech and InoBat, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Slovakian Government to establish a gigafactory. GIB has committed to constructing a gigafactory with an initial 20GWh capacity, in the town of Šurany, 80km east of Bratislava.
A Slovakian Gigafactory
Under the MoU the Slovak government has pledged to provide subsidies, arrange the land, prepare the construction site, and ensure a connection to the electrical grid. GIB has committed to beginning construction in 2024 and targets the start of production for Q2 2026. The 20GWh full-scale production is scheduled for 2027, however the MoU outlines that the facility may be expanded to 40GWh. The press release made no mention of how large the subsidies would be, however any subsidy committed will have to be approved by the European Commission. Additionally, no mention was made about cell chemistry or supply deals.
InoBat CEO, Marián Bocek, commented, “GIB represents joint effort of InoBat and Gotion High Tech in developing a battery gigafactory in Slovakia. GIB represents a unique example of strong partnership between fast-growing start-up with the outstanding experience in project development and knowledge of Slovakian context and the technology leader capable of delivering a full range of technology and scale-up manufacturing capacities.”
A Year in the Planning
InoBat and Gotion originally signed an MoU in January 2023, which outlined the plans to develop a JV gigafactory in Eastern Europe. Additionally, the pair planned on:
- Technical cooperation based on both side’s respective advantages of LFP and NMC batteries.
- The co-development of the potential for ESS battery production at existing InoBat premises for the European market.
- The investigation of recycling concepts for production scrap and end of life batteries.
In September 2023, Gotion, itself part owned by Volkswagen, bought a 25% stake in InoBat at an undisclosed price. InoBat commented that the investment would help accelerate its path to mass production. Additionally, this news follows the announcement of an InoBat facility in Serbia, with the help of a large incentives package from the Serbian Government amounting to EUR419 million (USD460 million).
Rho’s Evaluation
This is yet another step in Gotion’s global expansion, as well as…
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Image credit: Adobe Stock