Japanese battery manufacturer AESC Group has launched production at its newly-built electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Douai, France. The company marked the occasion with a Start of Production (SOP) ceremony which was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, whose attendance the company said “illustrates the importance of this milestone for France’s transition towards sustainable mobility.”
The facility has a production capacity of 10 GWh of lithium-ion batteries per year, enough to power up to 200,000 EVs, and currently supplies domestic automaker Renault. It currently employs approximately 650 people, a number that is expected to rise to 1,000 at full production.
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AESC pointed out that the Douai plant is powered by clean electricity and features advanced manufacturing processes, including electrode production, cell assembly, and module integration.
The company confirmed that the plant was built with the support of French and European financial institutions including Bpifrance, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, European Investment Bank and a syndicate of leading commercial banks. Just-Auto previously reported that the European Commission (EC) had approved € 48 million in French state aid for the project.
Speaking at the opening event, Emmanuel Macron said: “Here in Douai, we are turning a new page in the history of French industry. The inauguration of the AESC gigafactory—launched as part of Choose France in 2021—is the culmination of eight years of determined effort. This flagship project reflects a uniquely French vision of ecological transition: one that unites innovation, development, job creation, and sustainable ambition.”
Lei Zhang, Chairman of AESC Group, added: “The start of production at our Douai gigafactory marks a pivotal step in AESC’s commitment to advancing France’s reindustrialization and leadership in the global energy transition. By investing in cutting-edge battery technology and skilled talent, we are proud to help accelerate the decarbonization of transportation worldwide. France’s bold vision for clean mobility continues to inspire us every day.”
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