November 8, 2023: Chinese auto firm SAIC Motor has started initial EV battery production at its new joint venture plant in Thailand, Chinese state media reported on October 31.
The 120,000 ft2 battery and components plant will have an eventual production capacity of 50,000 batteries annually, Xinhua said.
The plant is operated by SAIC Motor-CP, a joint venture with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group.
SAIC started construction of the plant earlier this year and said it was scheduled for full completion by 2025.
Meanwhile another Chinese carmaker, Changan, signed a land purchase agreement during October with Thai industrial parks developer WHA Group to build a new EV production plant in the country.
The facility will have an initial production capacity of 100,000 vehicles annually.
In July, Energy Storage Journal reported that Chinese battery maker SVOLT had broken ground for a battery modules and packs factory in Thailand.
SVOLT said the Chon Buri province facility, to be completed by the end of this year, will strengthen its presence in the thriving Thai EV market.