This means that the battery production is completely supplied by solar energy. The photovoltaic system measures 4,000 square metres, about the size of half a football field. It generates about 740 megawatt hours of electricity annually.
The photovoltaic system complements the two-megawatt combined heat and power plant installed in Schierling in 2014 and is part of Webasto's strategy to ensure the production of its batteries is sustainable.
Strategy for sustainable production
This also includes the use of green electricity from hydropower since the beginning of 2021 and the upcoming construction of a battery storage system with a capacity of one megawatt hour.
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The storage unit will be supplied from the photovoltaic system and will provide electricity as needed for production and the charge points on the premises. Around 15 cars can theoretically be charged at the same time. More than 500 second-life battery modules will be reused for the storage unit.
Supplier for Solarwatt
With the commissioning of the photovoltaic system, Webasto is underpinning the importance of the plant in Schierlingt. Since 2019, a modern production facility for battery systems - the Multi-Product-Line - has been located here. It can produce up to 40,000 battery systems per year.
See also: Webasto and Green-G put all-electric small truck on the road
In the coming years, Webasto will also manufacture cell modules for Solarwatt's new battery storage system in Schierling. The plant is a model for other Webasto battery plants, such as in Dangjin, Korea, where the company will produce the first passenger car battery for Hyundai-Kia Motors Corporation, among others, from 2022.
Think tank for the automotive industry
The Webasto Group is one of the 100 largest suppliers to the automotive industry worldwide. The company's product range includes in-house developed roof, heating and cooling systems for vehicles, batteries and charging solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as complementary services related to thermal management and electromobility. Webasto's customers include manufacturers of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and boats as well as dealers and end customers.
Also interesting: E-truck with fully integrated PV takes off
In 2020, the group achieved sales of around 3.3 billion euros and employed more than 14,000 people at over 50 locations. The headquarters of the company, which was founded in 1901, is located in Stockdorf near Munich. (HS/mfo)
