ŠKODA AUTO begins manufacturing components for electric Volkswagen Group vehicles
› ŠKODA AUTO manufactures high-voltage traction batteries for plug-in hybrids from
Volkswagen Group brands ŠKODA, AUDI, SEAT and Volkswagen
› Initial production capacity of 150,000 units per year will be increased
› 25.3 million euros invested: over the past two years, ŠKODA AUTO’s main plant in Mladá
Boleslav has been prepared for entering the electric age
Mladá Boleslav, 6 September 2019 – ŠKODA AUTO has manufactured the first production
components for electric Volkswagen Group cars at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. ŠKODA
now produces high-voltage traction batteries for plug-in hybrids based on Volkswagen Group’s
MQB platform.
Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, emphasised, “In
November 2017, Volkswagen Group decided to task ŠKODA AUTO with the production of electric
components for plug-in hybrid cars – a massive expression of trust. In the meantime, we have taken
the required measures and rigorously executed the task. The high-voltage batteries, made in Mladá
Boleslav, are proof of our outstanding technical expertise and the result of outstanding teamwork from
all Škodians involved.”
The high-voltage batteries from Mladá Boleslav provide the electric energy for Volkswagen Group
plug-in hybrids that are based on the MQB platform. The battery packs will be used in the ŠKODA
SUPERB iV, for example. Production of this model is starting in September 2019 at the Kvasiny plant.
ŠKODA AUTO has invested 25.3 million euros in the production lines for high-voltage batteries. Two
years ago, the brand started preparing the Mladá Boleslav plant for the manufacturing of electric
components. Over the next few years, ŠKODA AUTO will increase its initial production capacity of
150,000 units per year.
Christian Bleiel, Head of Component Production at ŠKODA AUTO, said, “For us, this production of
battery systems, which is very technologically challenging, is an important step in our switch to
electromobility. We will further expand the production of electric components. In developing the
expertise required for this, we are making use of the exchange of information between experts within
our overarching Volkswagen Group Components network. This bundles together knowledge of
everything from battery cells to recycling.”
Around 200 staff work, either directly or indirectly, in electric component production. Battery systems
are not only assembled on the production line, they are also tested and charged there before being
installed in the vehicles.
ŠKODA AUTO sources battery cells and modules, the basic components of traction batteries, from
suppliers.
ŠKODA AUTO also utilises the global Volkswagen Group network for its manufacturing technology.
Working alongside company employees, 13 KUKA robots with load capacities ranging from 210 to
500 kg are used on the production line. Most of these machines transport particularly heavy or bulky
components. They deliver the battery modules to the assembly line, for example, and load the finished
batteries onto transport pallets. Other robots quickly mount the battery modules or cover, which has
39 screws alone, using their screw jack and automatic screw gripper.
When preparing for high-voltage battery production, ŠKODA AUTO not only worked on new production
technologies but also on other electricity-related topics, including work safety, fire prevention, quality
assurance and logistics. Working at the high-voltage assembly line requires specific safety measures
and many electronic parts are very sensitive to electrostatic discharge. ŠKODA AUTO also made
alterations to its distribution warehouse so that it can now accommodate a large number of heavy
batteries. Furthermore, electricity-specific fire prevention measures and precautions for handling
damaged batteries have been implemented.
