Daimler Battery Subsidiary Accelerates Expansion

Daimler AG says its Deutsche Accumotive GmbH lithium-ion battery operations in Kamenz, Germany, will employ 1,000 people by year-end, doubling its workforce nearly one year earlier than planned.

The added headcount will support the opening of a second battery plant in Kamenz, which is expected to begin production next spring. Daimler is investing €500 million ($571 million) in the facility.

The second plant quadruples Accumotive’s production and logistic operations in Kamenz to about 80,000 sq m (861,000 sq ft). The facilities produce lithium-ion batteries for Mercedes- and Smart-badged hybrid and full-electric vehicles, plus a range of electrified commercial vehicles and the carmaker’s upcoming EQ sub-brand.

Daimler says the new factory is designed to be carbon neutral. Energy is generated via a power station, photovoltaic system and fixed battery storage unit.

The existing Kamenz site has produced more than 200,000 batteries since it opened in 2012. Accumotive also operates or is planning to open three other plants in Germany and one each in China, Thailand and the U.S. The latter facility will be built at Daimler’s assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Daimler plans to invest €10 billion ($11.4 billion) and offer more than 130 electrified vehicle variants in coming years. The planned array will include at least 10 all-electric models by 2020.