Battery Joint Venture ACC Inaugurates its First Gigafactory in Northern France

ACC, a joint venture between Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies, has inaugurated its first EV battery Gigafactory in Billy-Berclau/Douvrin, Northern France. The first of the site's three production units will be operational before the end of 2023, with ramp-up scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

The plant represents an investment of 850 million euros.

It includes over 60,000 m2 of workshops, with an initial production line with a capacity of more than 13 GWh, rising to 40 GWh by 2030.

The development will contribute to the growth of the region, with the creation of around 2,000 direct jobs by 2030.

With the implementation of two other gigafactories in Kaiserslautern (Germany) in 2025 and Termoli (Italy) in 2026, ACC's industrial capacity will reach 120 GWh at full capacity by 2030.

Yann Vincent, Chief Executive Officer of ACC, says: "We are proud to have developed a battery technology in France, whose production in our three sites in France, Germany and Italy illustrates our commitment to European industrial sovereignty in a strategic sector that is currently dominated by competition from Asia, which accounts for 85% of global battery production. With this inauguration, all ACC employees are committed to contributing to the ecological transition of transport through the production of innovative batteries."

“ACC’s new plant marks a key milestone in Europe’s transformation to make its auto industry more resilient, competitive, and sustainable, also in the electric era. Together with our partners, we will develop and produce high-tech battery cells and modules in the heart of Europe, enabling Mercedes-Benz to build desirable electric cars for the world," adds Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz.

"This inauguration is the culmination of efforts undertaken several years ago to create ACC, with the aim of making it a European leader in the battery industry, based on technology developed in France. The start of battery production at the same location where Stellantis used to produce - and still produces - internal combustion engines is a strong symbol. It shows how anticipation and constructive dialogue with our stakeholders - trade unions, employees, leading industrialists, local and regional elected officials, and the State - can help build a future for our employees in the context of intense change in our industry. The ACC Gigafactory will enable Stellantis' electric vehicles to be equipped with high-tech batteries, serving clean, safe, and affordable mobility for all," comments Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis.

“We are delighted to be inaugurating the Billy-Berclau Gigafactory today, and to have contributed the technology and know-how required for this project through our subsidiary Saft. As a multi-energy company, TotalEnergies is contributing to Europe's energy transition, which involves the electrification of energy uses. Our contribution to the development of ACC, as well as our investments in the development of batteries, the deployment of recharging infrastructures and the production of electricity, particularly renewable electricity, are all part of this process. TotalEnergies is thus contributing to the transformation of the European energy landscape and the emergence of a more sustainable economy," declares Patrick Pouyanné, Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies.

Founded in 2020, ACC (Automotive Cells Company) is a fast-growing high-tech company supported by France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.