FAW, BYD-backed battery production project operational

A battery production facility co-invested by China's automaker First Automotive Works (FAW) and new-energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD was put into operation on Friday in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.

The total planned production capacity of the project is 45 GWh, with the first stage of 15 GWh put into operation on Friday.

Applying advanced blade battery technology, the project balances the three key issues of battery safety, high-mileage and battery life, and its first products will be used on new electric vehicle models produced by Hongqi, the iconic sedan brand under FAW.

Covering a total land area of 370,000 square meters, the project is located in the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone.

As the first NEV battery base in northeast China, the facility will promote the transformation and upgrade of the automobile industry and high-quality development of the traditional industrial base.

Qiu Xiandong, chairman of FAW, said the project will rely on the advantages of FAW and BYD resources, promote efficient operation, and contribute to low-carbon development of the automobile industry and the comprehensive revitalization of Jilin.