CATL starts trial operations at its Debrecen cell plant in Hungary

CATL

CATL has started trial operations on the first two production lines of its new cell factory in Debrecen, Hungary. Trial running is the step before series production; the plant will supply European carmakers that have built large EV capacity in Hungary. Once all facilities are ready, the site is planned at 100 GWh.

• The occupancy permit was obtained in August 2026; trial operations began on September 22, 2026.
• CATL calls the 100 GWh site its largest manufacturing base outside China; it is the company's second European battery plant.
• Trial runs are used to set up, tune and validate equipment and processes; health, safety and environmental results will be reported to the authorities.
• The article gives no investment amount, jobs figure or cell chemistry.