Škoda Auto Reaches Milestone with One Million Battery Systems Produced at Mladá Boleslav Plant, Strengthening its Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

Škoda Auto has proudly announced the production of its one-millionth high-voltage battery system at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards sustainable mobility and its contribution to the transformation of the automotive industry. The company has been manufacturing high-voltage traction batteries since 2019, initially launching battery production for the Škoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid. However, it is now focused exclusively on producing larger batteries for fully electric vehicles (EVs) based on the MEB platform. These batteries, with capacities ranging from 55 to 91kWh (net capacity 52 to 86kWh), power the Škoda Enyaq and the newly launched Škoda Elroq, along with other Volkswagen Group brands including VW, SEAT/CUPRA, and Audi.

The achievement is a testament to the hard work of Škoda Auto’s team and the close collaboration among various brands within the Volkswagen Group. Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto’s Board Member for production and logistics, commented: “Reaching the milestone of one million battery systems made by Škoda Auto for Volkswagen Group vehicles testifies to the dedication of our team and the close collaboration among the different brands. This achievement also highlights our commitment to sustainable mobility and our contribution to driving the industry’s transformation towards a greener future. With determination, we are now taking the next steps — construction of an additional battery system facility in Mladá Boleslav is already underway.”

The first high-voltage battery systems were assembled at the Mladá Boleslav plant in September 2019 for the Škoda Superb iV plug-in hybrid model. In May 2022, the facility expanded its production to manufacture battery systems for all-electric vehicles based on the MEB platform. These systems are now being used in the Škoda Enyaq, Škoda Elroq, and other electric vehicles from Volkswagen Group, including those from Audi, SEAT, and CUPRA. The milestone production coincides with the launch of the Group’s new e-mobility information hub, ‘Enter Electric!’, which provides customers with detailed insights into the benefits of electromobility and technical details about the electric vehicles in the Volkswagen Group’s portfolio.

Škoda Auto’s commitment to growing its EV production capacity was further demonstrated by the expansion of the Mladá Boleslav plant in 2023. A second assembly line was added, increasing the total daily production capacity to 1,500 battery systems. The company has also invested heavily in the digitalisation of its operations and the upskilling of its workforce to meet the demands of electromobility. So far, over 28,000 employees have been trained to support the company’s transition towards EV production.

The production process at the Mladá Boleslav plant is a highly automated operation, with approximately 90 employees working in a 10,500m² production area. Additionally, 82 fully automated robots assist with managing heavy components. Every 60 seconds, one high-voltage battery for MEB-based models is completed, with each battery weighing around 490kg when it is unloaded from the production line. The lithium-ion batteries produced at the facility feature a modular design, with 8 to 13 modules containing 16 to 26 cells, offering a capacity range of 55 to 91kWh.

To further ensure the quality of its products, Škoda Auto opened a state-of-the-art facility in June 2023 to optimize the quality control of its battery systems. The facility uses cutting-edge computed tomography (CT) technology, capable of capturing intricate internal details as small as 4µm. This advanced imaging system allows for the detection of irregularities within individual battery components without dismantling the entire system. It can also be used to examine cells that have already been in operation, ensuring that the company’s batteries continue to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.

As Škoda Auto continues to expand its production of high-voltage battery systems and contribute to the global shift towards sustainable mobility, this milestone represents a major achievement in the company’s efforts to drive the future of electric mobility. With further investment in new facilities and cutting-edge technologies, Škoda Auto is poised to play a key role in the automotive industry’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.