The newly constructed MEB production line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav aims to assemble more than 250,000 MEB battery systems a year, according to the automaker. In addition to ŠKODA vehicles, the batteries will be installed in MEB models produced by Volkswagen, Audi and SEAT.

“By launching the production of MEB battery systems, we are now manufacturing the absolute key component at the heart of the company,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Auto board member for production and logistics. “Our objective is clear: we want to produce E-components or EVs at all three Czech plants by 2030."

Christian Bleiel, head of Component Production at ŠKODA Auto, noted the company’s collaboration with VW Group Components and partner companies and suppliers in making the transition from the combustion engine to electromobility. He said ŠKODA will reach the next milestone at the end of 2023 when the second expansion stage is brought online, allowing production of more than 380,000 battery systems a year.

By the end of the decade, ŠKODA expects of increase the share of all-electric car sales in Europe to between 50% and 70%, depending on market developments. By then ŠKODA’s plans to introduce at least three more battery-electric vehicles, all smaller and less costly that its electric SUV, the ENYAQ iV.