Volkswagen starts construction of new EV plant in China

Volkswagen Group China has begun construction of a new MEB plant at Volkswagen Anhui recently, which will be its third pure-electric vehicle manufacturing facility in China.

Due for completion mid-2022, the plant is set for start of production in the second half of 2023.

By 2025, Volkswagen Group China plans to deliver up to 1.5 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) per year.

Dr Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: “Volkswagen Anhui is set to become a global hub for e-mobility innovation and a cornerstone of the Group’s decarbonisation strategy. As China is the world’s largest single market for NEV vehicles, we need to strengthen our local competence, and Volkswagen Anhui is a significant part of it. With the plant to be powered by green energy from day one, we are demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions beyond our fleet.”

New construction at Volkswagen Anhui includes brownfield repurposing and upscaling of the former JAC plant and the establishment of a completely new body shop area. The new body shop will cover roughly 141,000m2 and makes up part of the total project area, together covering around 500,000m2. The new plant will incorporate a number of energy saving strategies as part of comprehensive efforts to reduce overall carbon emissions, including the adoption of low energy consumption production equipment. A supplier park for battery and components is also planned for construction in the area.