BMW Group Initiates Construction of High-Voltage Battery Plant in Thailand

BMW Group starts building a high-voltage battery factory in Thailand, aiming to boost EV production and local economy with a 2025 start.

In a significant step towards enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) production capabilities, BMW Group has initiated construction on a new manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage batteries in Rayong, Thailand. This development marks a key milestone in BMW’s strategy to expand its EV production, with local battery electric vehicle (BEV) production expected to commence in the second half of 2025.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, which saw the participation of Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, representatives from the Thai government, and the German ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel, BMW underscored its commitment to the electrification of its production network. Nedeljković highlighted the «local for local» principle, emphasizing the project’s potential to spur economic development, create job opportunities, and facilitate knowledge transfer within Thailand and the ASEAN region.

The new facility, sprawling over 4,000 square meters, represents an integral addition to BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s operations. The assembly line will focus on converting imported battery cells into modules, which will then be assembled into high-voltage batteries. With an investment exceeding 1.6 billion baht (approximately 42 million euros), a substantial portion of which (nearly 1.4 billion baht or about 36 million euros) is allocated for cutting-edge equipment and systems, BMW Group is poised to strengthen its position in the EV market.

Since 2019, the BMW Group has been producing high-voltage batteries in Thailand for its locally manufactured plug-in hybrids. The Rayong plant has been a pivotal production hub, manufacturing a diverse range of BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad models for the Thai market and other ASEAN countries. In 2023, the plant’s output reached over 12,000 cars and almost 11,000 motorcycles, showcasing its significant contribution to BMW’s global manufacturing footprint.

To support this expansion, BMW Group is rolling out a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing the technical skills of its local workforce through global knowledge transfer. This initiative reaffirms BMW’s dedication to contributing to Thailand’s economic progress and workforce development.

Moreover, BMW Group’s commitment extends beyond its manufacturing activities. In collaboration with UNICEF in Thailand, BMW is actively involved in promoting industry growth and facilitating the global transition to sustainable mobility solutions. This year, the partnership focuses on improving career prospects for young individuals through a targeted STEM education programme, coupled with training and career counseling, demonstrating BMW Group’s holistic approach to fostering social and economic development in Thailand and beyond.

Source: BMW