CATL's Spanish Battery Plant Raises Tech Transfer Concerns
The future of Europe's battery industry may lie in joint ventures with Chinese companies, as suggested by industry insiders. CATL, a Chinese battery giant, is set to send 2,000 skilled workers from China to Zaragoza, Spain to commission a new battery plant. However, some Spanish stakeholders express concerns about CATL's willingness to transfer technology to local workers.
The new battery plant is a joint venture between CATL and automaker Stellantis, expected to begin production in late 2026. CATL plans to recruit and train 3,000 local workers in Spain to run the plant once it is built. This follows a trend of European automakers partnering with Asian companies for battery production, as the global EV industry remains dependent on superior Chinese technology.
However, concerns have been raised about CATL's intentions. A high-ranking Stellantis manager, unnamed in available sources, suggested that CATL might not be ready to share the necessary technology for setting up the battery plant. This echoes Hyundai's issues with the US government when sending workers to commission a battery plant in Georgia. Meanwhile, another European EV battery project, Northvolt, faced challenges and was unable to meet initial expectations.
The new battery plant in Zaragoza, a joint venture between CATL and Stellantis, is expected to start production in late 2026. CATL's commitment to recruit and train 3,000 local workers shows its long-term vision for the plant. However, concerns about technology transfer persist, highlighting the need for clear communication and reassurance from CATL to Spanish stakeholders.
