Volvo Cars to capitalize $1 billion in next-gen EV manufacturing plant in Sweden
Volvo Cars have announced that it will invest US$1 billion in its Torslanda manufacturing plant in Sweden in the coming years, in preparation to produce its next generation of fully electric cars.
As part of the planned investments, the company will introduce several new and more sustainable technologies and manufacturing processes in the plant. These involve the introduction of the mega casting of aluminum body parts, a new battery assembly plant, and fully refurbished paint and final assembly shops.
The investments follow the latest announcement by Volvo Cars and Northvolt to invest US$ 3.3 billion in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, tailor-made batteries for the next generation of pure electric Volvo models.
Both investment plans signify new steps towards Volvo Cars' ambition to be a fully electric car company by 2030 and reflect the company's commitment to a long-term future in its hometown of Gothenburg.
"With these investments, we take an important step towards our all-electric future and prepare for even more advanced and better electric Volvos," said Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive of Volvo Cars.
"Torslanda is our largest plant and will play a crucial role in our ongoing transformation as we move towards becoming a pure electric car maker by 2030."
A new battery assembly plant will integrate battery cells and modules in the floor structure of the car, while the assembly shop is being refurbished for the accommodation of the next-generation fully electric cars – for example, with a new 'marriage point' where the top body and the floor of the car meet for the first time.
"Today is a great day for the Torslanda plant because we are making it fit for the future with this investment package," said Javier Varela, Head of Engineering and Operations at Volvo Cars.
"Our future as a company is all-electric and that requires a variety of upgrades across the plant to ensure that Torslanda can continue to build premium electric cars of the highest quality."
The Torslanda plant has an annual production capacity of 300,000 cars and is one of Volvo Cars' longest-operating manufacturing facilities. At present, the Torslanda plant operates on three shifts and employs around 6,500 people.
