CATL began trial production on 22 September 2026 at its newly built cell factory in Debrecen, after meeting all preconditions required to start the trial run. The trial phase is designed to set up, optimise and validate production equipment and manufacturing processes before series production begins. The company said it will continue working closely with the Hungarian government and authorities to maintain high environmental standards and protect employee health and safety.

CATL announced in August 2022 that it would build its second European battery plant in Debrecen, aiming to integrate into the European automotive and e-mobility supply chain and better serve leading European automakers. Construction of the first cell building started in summer 2023, and by spring 2026 the building had been equipped with advanced technology. After obtaining the occupancy permit in August 2026, the company secured all relevant permits and completed the preconditions required under its IPPC permit before starting trial operations on 22 September on the first two production lines of its cell manufacturing facility.

Before the occupancy permit was issued, the Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office carried out regular on-site inspections at CATL’s facilities to follow up on earlier issues that had caused serious concerns among local residents. Authority representatives confirmed that the company had resolved all deficiencies identified earlier in the permitting process.

As a strategic manufacturing hub, CATL’s Debrecen plant is expected to supply leading European automakers, several of which have built significant electric vehicle production capacity in Hungary in recent years. CATL, describing itself as a global technology leader, said it installed advanced and flexible production lines in Debrecen to meet client needs. The company has been manufacturing battery modules in Debrecen since autumn 2024 and has produced 537,000 modules since then. Once all facilities are ready, the Hungarian plant will be CATL’s largest manufacturing base outside China, with 100 GWh capacity.

Alongside obtaining permits and completing trial-operation preconditions, CATL Debrecen said it remains committed to working closely with the government and authorities and prioritising employee health and safety. Employee health, safety and environmental factors will be thoroughly monitored during the trial, with results submitted proactively to the authority. The investment is important not only for Debrecen and its region, but also for the Hungarian economy and the European e-mobility supply chain. CATL said it is committed to transparency and welcomes authorities to visit its site at any time.