Stellantis, the global automaker, is planning to significantly expand its battery-building capacity to 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). This expansion is part of the company’s efforts to secure key supplies of materials and chemicals needed for battery production. Micky Bly, Stellantis Senior Vice President and Head of Global Propulsion Systems, revealed these plans during the inauguration of the company’s new Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy.

Stellantis has already announced plans for approximately 250 GWh of battery capacity across various locations globally. To meet the growing demand for EVs, the company now believes it needs to increase its battery capacity to 400 GWh. Bly mentioned that Stellantis has committed to delivering six gigafactories worldwide, but it’s unclear whether this expansion to 400 GWh will involve building additional gigafactories beyond those already announced.

Earlier this year, Stellantis inaugurated its first European gigafactory in France, with plans for additional gigafactories in Germany and Italy, all through its ACC joint venture with Mercedes and TotalEnergies. The company also has three more facilities planned in the United States and Canada.

As part of this expansion, Stellantis has invested €40 million ($43 million) in its Battery Technology Center in Turin, Italy. This center will focus on in-house testing and development of EV battery packs for the company’s upcoming vehicles. The center is expected to employ more than 100 people, primarily retrained Stellantis workers. A similar facility for North America is being built in Windsor, Canada. These investments and expansions reflect Stellantis’ commitment to accelerating its electrification efforts to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles worldwide.