CATL Seeks European Site for New Battery Recycling Facility
Chinese electric vehicle battery giant CATL is actively searching for a location to establish a new battery recycling facility in Europe. According to Jason Chen, the company's regional operations chief, discussions are currently underway with various local governments, with Hungary emerging as a prominent candidate. This strategic move coincides with CATL's expansion of its manufacturing footprint in the region, as its second regional cell manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2025. The Debrecen site is strategically located near a BMW car plant, a major client for CATL. The push for recycling infrastructure aligns with the company's growing capacity needs; CEO Robin Zeng recently stated that CATL recycled 100,000 tons of waste batteries last year and currently possesses the capacity to process 270,000 tons. This development underscores the increasing importance of circular economy practices within the global electric vehicle supply chain, as major manufacturers seek to secure sustainable sources of raw materials and comply with tightening environmental regulations in the European market.
Wire timeline
CATL Seeks European Site for New Battery Recycling Facility
Chinese electric vehicle battery giant CATL is actively searching for a location to establish a new battery recycling facility in Europe. According to Jason Chen, the company's regional operations chief, discussions are currently underway with various local governments, with Hungary emerging as a prominent candidate. This strategic move coincides with CATL's expansion of its manufacturing footprint in the region, as its second regional cell manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2025. The Debrecen site is strategically located near a BMW car plant, a major client for CATL. The push for recycling infrastructure aligns with the company's growing capacity needs; CEO Robin Zeng recently stated that CATL recycled 100,000 tons of waste batteries last year and currently possesses the capacity to process 270,000 tons. This development underscores the increasing importance of circular economy practices within the global electric vehicle supply chain, as major manufacturers seek to secure sustainable sources of raw materials and comply with tightening environmental regulations in the European market.
TechNode