CATL Launches Trial Battery Cell Production at Debrecen

CATL has started trial production of battery cells at its newly built plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The trial run began on September 22, 2026, on the first two manufacturing lines to validate equipment and processes ahead of series production.

The company states it fulfilled all preconditions required to launch this phase. The purpose is to set up, optimize, and validate production equipment and manufacturing processes. CATL will continue trial production to optimize operations, with the timing for full-scale manufacturing yet to be announced.

Plant development and capacity

Construction of the first cell building at the Debrecen site began in summer 2023. Installation of battery cell manufacturing equipment was completed in the second quarter of 2026. The facility has a planned capacity of 100 gigawatt-hours.

Once fully operational, the Hungarian plant would become CATL's largest manufacturing base outside China. The Debrecen plant adds a major manufacturing location as CATL expands its production footprint closer to European vehicle manufacturers. The site is set to supply European automakers.

Prior production and regulatory progress

Battery module assembly at the Debrecen plant launched earlier, in autumn 2024. Since then, 537,000 battery modules have been supplied to clients from the Hungarian site.

Before launching trial cell production, CATL gathered all authorizations required under its Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control permit. The firm received the plant’s occupancy permit in August 2026. The Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office carried out regular on-site inspections before issuing it.

Authorities confirmed that deficiencies identified earlier in the permitting process had been addressed. These inspections followed up on earlier issues that had caused concerns among local residents.

Strategic role in Europe's EV supply chain

The Debrecen plant supports CATL's goal of integrating into Europe's automotive and e-mobility supply chain. The company stated the facility will supply leading European automakers that have built significant electric vehicle production capacity in Hungary in recent years.

The factory is positioned near Hungary’s growing electric vehicle manufacturing sector. CATL describes the investment as significant for Debrecen, its region, the Hungarian economy, and Europe's e-mobility supply chain. CATL already operates a battery plant near Erfurt, Germany, which has been operational since 2023.

Operations, safety and outlook

CATL said it installed advanced, flexible production lines in Debrecen. "We have installed the most advanced, flexible production lines in Debrecen in order to fulfil the needs of its valued clients at all times," the company stated.

Management continues to work closely with authorities to ensure high standards in environment, health, and safety. The company will monitor employee health, safety, and environmental indicators throughout the trial production period. Results from this monitoring will be submitted proactively to regulators.

CATL says it remains committed to working with the Hungarian government and local authorities. The company will continue cooperating on environmental standards and employee health and safety as trial production proceeds.