Daimler Truck Opens Battery Technology Center

Daimler Truck has inaugurated a new Battery Technology Center (BTC) at its Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim, Germany. This marks a significant step towards the company's electrification goals for commercial vehicles.

New Center Focuses on Battery Development and Production

Located on an extensive 10,000-square-meter area, the BTC merges development and production under one roof. The center comprises two main sections:

Pilot Production Line for Battery Cells: This section allows Daimler Truck to develop and produce battery cells specifically designed for the demanding requirements of heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Here, engineers will gain valuable knowledge about cell chemistry through processes like electrode coating & experimenting with various cell paste recipes.
Pilot Production Line for Battery Packs: In this section, cells will be assembled into modules and then integrated into battery packs. These packs will undergo rigorous testing on benches and in test vehicles, paving the way for future series production.

Statement by Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck

Andreas Gorbach says, “The opening of our Battery Technology Center is an important step in terms of electrifying our product portfolio – and yet another milestone in the history of innovation at the Mannheim plant,”

Moreover, he adds, “We have decided to take care of the assembly of the future battery generation ourselves and thus keep important added value in-house. In and for Europe, we will do this at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim and thereby further strengthen the future of the location.”

Strategic Importance and Future Plans

The opening of the BTC signifies Daimler Truck's commitment to the Mannheim plant as a center for battery technology and high-voltage systems. This new facility strengthens the plant's future viability in the age of electric vehicles.

Series Production Planned for the Second Half of the Decade

Daimler Truck is gearing up for series production of next-generation lithium-ion batteries in the latter part of this decade. The Mannheim plant is at the forefront of this initiative, and the BTC plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Daimler Truck's Broader E-Mobility Push

The Battery Technology Center is just one piece of Daimler Truck's comprehensive e-mobility strategy. The company is also:

Constructing a dedicated battery cell factory in Mississippi, USA, with a planned production start in 2027.
Developing and testing electric motors at their ‘Technikum’ center in Gaggenau, Germany.
Preparing for the series production of the eActros 600 electric truck later in 2024.
Contributing to the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric trucks.

By taking these steps, Daimler Truck is positioning itself as a leader in the electrification of the commercial vehicle industry.