Akasol opens 600 MWh production facility for Li-ion storage systems

11/27/2017 | Print view

The new plant of Akasol for lithium-ion energy storage systems serves mainly commercial electric vehicles as busses and trucks - © Akasol — © Akasol

The new plant of Akasol for lithium-ion energy storage systems serves mainly commercial electric vehicles as busses and trucks

Akasol opened a new semi-automated production facility for high-performance lithium-ion battery systems. The plant in Langen (Germany) has a capacity of 600 MWh and serves mainly electric vehicles.

Last week Akasol startet serial production at the facility, which is now the largest production line for commercial vehicle battery systems in Europe. With a capacity of 600 MWh, the plant can produce high-performance battery systems for up to 3000 hybrid or electric vehicles or other large commercial vehicles each year. The eMobility pioneer has invested €10 million into the new commercial plant.

Mainly for commercial e-vehicles

The Langen plant will manufacture the company’s AKAsystem OEM for commercial vehicles, such as buses and trucks. Akasol will supply this lithium-ion system to two leading European bus manufacturers in contracts to build approximately 10,000 buses within the next few years. Akasol won the two contracts after an extensive process ensuring the highest automotive industry safety standards. The company currently also supplies technology and consulting to leading companies including VDL Bus & Coach, Alexander Dennis, Alstom, Bombardier and Bucher Municipal.

Akasol Managing Director Sven Schulz said: “As more cities across Europe choose zero-emission buses, we’re witnessing the European market for hybrid and electric buses growing by more than 35 per cent each year. Cities are increasingly looking for bus leasing solutions to avoid higher investment costs, so finding the right supplier for battery systems is of strategic importance for bus manufacturers.” (HCN)