GAC orders LFP Batteries from Farasis for European vehicle models
According to the CN EV Post, citing an official GAC announcement, Farasis batteries will power the European models Aion V and Aion UT. These models are set to become the flagship products of the GAC Aion subsidiary in the European market, as recently stated by GAC. The mid-range SUV Aion V has recently begun production at contract manufacturer Magna in Austria. More details are provided below. The inclusion of the Aion UT as a target model for battery supply indirectly confirms that the compact electric vehicle will also be produced locally in Europe.
Farasis and GAC have not disclosed the agreed delivery period for the new batteries. However, they have revealed that the underlying cells are large-format pouch cells with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The total capacity of the order exceeds 10 GWh, according to the partners. This volume is theoretically sufficient for over 100,000 electric vehicles with 100 kWh batteries. However, the exact size and capacity of the batteries remain unspecified.
What is clear is that this order represents a “significant breakthrough for Farasis’ SPS battery products in overseas markets,” as reported by CN EV Post. The company is one of China’s smaller battery manufacturers, with a market share of just around 0.02 per cent. Known models equipped with Farasis’ SPS solution include the Geely Radar RD6 Horizon electric pickup and, in China, the second-generation GAC Aion V and the Aion UT. The collaboration between Farasis and GAC Aion spans several years.
The focus on Europe for battery supplies is driven by GAC Aion’s expansion strategy. The Aion V is already available in European markets such as Finland, Poland, and Portugal—initially as an import from China but, in recent weeks, also as a locally produced model. We have already tested one such vehicle; you can read our impressions in the test drive report here. In summary, the Aion V does not feature cutting-edge technology or standout features, but it offers solid specifications and generous equipment at an affordable price.
After rumours first emerged in March about contract manufacturing of the Aion V at Magna in Graz (alongside the Xpeng models G6 and G9), GAC and Magna announced in November the start of series production in Europe. Since then, the Aion V has been produced locally. The two Xpeng models have been manufactured at Magna since September for the European market. By producing vehicles in Europe, the Chinese manufacturers avoid the EU’s additional tariffs, which would otherwise apply to battery-electric vehicles imported from China into the European Union.
Important to note: Magna is responsible solely for vehicle production, while distribution is handled by GAC. “GAC plans to expand into further European markets through new partnerships as well as service and distribution networks,” stated a Magna announcement published in November. However, the Canadian company did not specify which markets are targeted or what production capacities GAC has secured at Magna.
The Magna vehicle plant in Graz operates mixed production lines, where internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, and electric cars are manufactured together. Well-known electric models from the plant include the Jaguar I-Pace and, briefly, the Fisker Ocean (both discontinued), as well as the current Mercedes G-Class with EQ technology and the two Xpeng models. On the internal combustion engine side, the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra are still produced there.
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
0 Comments