Envision AESC Launches Battery Plant in France to Boost Global EV Supply

Envision AESC

Strategic Expansion into Europe

Chinese battery manufacturer Envision AESC has inaugurated a 10GWh per year battery plant in Douai, northern France. The facility’s initial phase will produce enough cells to power 200,000 electric vehicles annually, supporting Europe’s growing demand for clean transportation. While the company has not disclosed timelines for subsequent phases, the project represents a significant step in its global manufacturing strategy.

Envision AESC’s goal is to achieve a total global battery capacity of 400GWh per year by 2026, with operations spanning 13 battery manufacturing bases across China, Japan, the US, the UK, France, and Spain. This broad geographic footprint is designed to meet the surging needs of the rapidly developing EV sector and strengthen resilience against supply disruptions.

Scaling Capacity Amid Geopolitical Shifts

The company is simultaneously doubling its production in Cangzhou, China, to 20GWh per year by 2026 and constructing a gigafactory for lithium iron phosphate batteries in Navalmoral de la Mata, Spain, scheduled to start output in 2026. These moves align with a wider trend among Chinese battery firms expanding overseas in response to geopolitical pressures, including higher US import tariffs and the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act.

Envision AESC is a joint venture between Chinese-owned Envision and Japanese-owned AESC, itself a collaboration between automaker Nissan and component maker Tokin. By strategically positioning manufacturing assets within key markets, the company aims to enhance customer proximity, reduce logistics risks, and align with local regulatory requirements.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Envision AESC’s French facility marks another decisive step in the localization of battery supply for Europe’s EV market. By combining European production with a global expansion strategy, the company is hedging against trade tensions while capturing market share in high-growth regions. The challenge ahead will be scaling production efficiently while adapting to evolving environmental and trade policies in multiple jurisdictions.

Boosting UK's EV Market: Jatco and Nissan's New Powertrain Plant in Sunderland

Jatco

Japanese automotive giants Nissan and Jatco, in partnership with the UK government, have announced an ambitious plan to establish a new £48.7 million electric vehicle (EV) powertrain facility in Sunderland, UK, slated to commence in 2026. This strategic move is set to propel the UK further into the forefront of the global EV market.

A Strategic Expansion into Europe

The upcoming facility in Sunderland marks Jatco's first foray into European manufacturing but builds on its robust global presence with existing facilities in Mexico, China, and Thailand. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance Jatco's production capabilities, aiming for an annual output of 340,000 EV powertrains. These powertrains are crucial components, analogous to the engine in traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, and are integral to the operation of electric vehicles.

Innovative Technology and Material Use

The plant will focus on producing Jatco's "3-in-1" electrified powertrains, which integrate the motor, inverter, and reducer into a single compact module. This innovation not only makes the units smaller and lighter but also optimizes performance. The motor, essential for converting electrical to mechanical energy, utilizes rare earth metals such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. The inverter, which converts DC from the battery to AC for the motor, heavily employs copper, while the reducer relies on high-strength steel and alloys that may include nickel and manganese.

Strengthening Local Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing

Sunderland's existing Nissan plant, which began EV production in 2013 and employs 6,000 people, is poised to become an all-electric facility. The city is already home to an Envision AESC gigafactory, further solidifying its status as a key player in the UK's automotive sector. UK business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds hailed the new plant as a significant endorsement of the UK's economic environment and its attractiveness as a destination for major investments.