Chai will be at the centre as the company looks to scale up production at its Gigafactory in Voderady, Slovakia, after securing significant funding from the Slovakian Development Bank earlier this year.

The unconfirmed sums are to be invested into InoBat’s R&D and Gigafactory in Voderady, Slovakia, set to come online in Q4 2024.

With the help of the Serbian government* in securing the land and the necessary licenses to build, the site will be responsible for the manufacturing and recycling of battery cells for EVs.

With construction set for next year on a 65-hectare area of land in Šurany, the Slovak government is set to provide subsidies. The venture aims to begin battery production in Q2 2026, producing EV batteries with a combined annual output of 20 gigawatt-hours.

The significance of this investment for InoBat is that this will provide access to Gotion's research and development, its raw materials (lithium etc.) supply chain, cell production and recycling capabilities which will accelerate InoBat’s path to series and large-scale production of battery cells.

The agreement with Italian lightweight automotive components manufacturer, Poggipolini, will see both companies combine resources, skills and research and development projects regarding battery module and pack design solutions to service the automotive EV sector.

The joint venture (JV) outlines several key goals with the primary being the co-development of a 40 GWh capacity gigafactory in the CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region.

InoBat is positioning itself as a producer of customised battery cells for a variety of duty cycles in what is regarded as 'smaller' volume niche applications. The cells are produced to match a variety of specific duty cycles and applications, with plans to produce and supply those battery cells consistently to its clients into the future.

The 9,500 square metre (sqm) plant will employ 150 staff and become the focal point of a global network of gigafactories based on its “cradle-to-cradle” circular value chain, which integrates chemistry research, cell development, battery production and material recycling in one location.

Aside from financial support, the Serbian government will assist in finding land to build the facility and securing the necessary permits/licenses required for construction and operation.

GUS will fulfil demand for InoBat battery orders ahead of Inobat Auto’s own production facility in Voderady, Slovakia, becoming fully operational.

The Slovakian start-up will collaborate with the Polish manufacturer in developing a prototype battery cell which will then be tested during 2023.