Powering ASEAN’s Electric Future: MG’s 50,000-Unit Annual Capacity Facility
MG (SAIC Motor-CP) has opened its first electric vehicle (EV) battery production plant in Thailand, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s EV market.
Key Details
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Location
The plant is situated in the NEW ENERGY INDUSTRIAL PARK within the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 (WHA ESIE 2) in Chonburi province.
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Area
The facility spans approximately 75 rai (12 hectares).
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Production Capacity
The plant can produce up to 50,000 battery units annually.
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Investment
The initial investment for this phase of the NEW ENERGY INDUSTRIAL PARK is at least 500 million Thai baht (approximately $13.9 million USD).
Plant Features
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Battery Assembly Area
- Fully automated with cutting-edge robotic technology
- Uses Laser Welding for precision
- Employs Charge Coupled Device (CCD) for quality assurance
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Battery Testing Area
- Involves over 60 testing processes
- Includes Charge & Discharge, Air Leak Test, Insulation Test, and Static Test
Technical Specifications
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Technology
The plant will produce Cell-To-Pack (CTP) EV batteries using the new RUBIK’s CUBE BATTERY technology.
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First Application
Batteries from this plant will be first installed in the MG4 ELECTRIC model, with plans to expand to other models in the future.
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Strategic Importance
- This is the first EV battery factory of its kind in ASEAN.
- It strengthens Thailand’s position as an EV production hub for both domestic and ASEAN markets.
- The plant is part of MG’s broader strategy to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem in Thailand.
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Timeline
- The plant was in its production preparation phase as of October 2023.
- It is expected to be fully operational in 2024.
This development underscores MG’s commitment to the Thai and ASEAN EV markets, and aligns with Thailand’s goal of becoming a major EV production center in the region.
